The Savior Who Speaks Our Heart’s Unique Language

There is a language unique to the heart of every man and woman. This extends past the offshoots of the Tower of Babel, the native tongue of the land, or even the niche vernacular of common man, for it is something within the spirit of each unique human creation of God. Because He is the Creator and Maker, He knows exactly how to speak to said person in a profound, life-altering way that not only offers peace, but anchors.

God Knows His Creation

Within Modern English translations of the Bible there are certain words that blanket a phrase or concept, leaving great room for ambiguity. In the original Greek of the Gospel of John there is a rich and narrowed understanding that is offered particularly for the word, “know.” In English we have the single word, whereas in Greek John 10 offers two different words that provide a greater revelation of just how Jesus knows us.

John 10:4 shares,

“When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

The word for “know” here in the Greek is, eidō, which means to recognize in the same way as one would be able to discern a commercial jingle or a popular song. When it comes to conveying how Jesus knows us and how we can know Him, an entirely different phrase is offered in John 10:14,

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me.” 

The word for “know” here is, ginōskō, this means a deep, intimate, personal understanding. When we hold that understanding of how the Lord knows us and how He desires us to know Him, it changes everything.

Jesus Speaks the Language of Martha and Mary

In the moments before the incredible miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead, we see a distinct and captivating teaching from Jesus in how He specifically comforts two separate people in pain utilizing a ginōskō approach. Jesus already knew what would be, that indeed Lazarus had more to do on earth, but He navigates the circumstances with confidence, kindness, and consideration for all, not just Lazarus. In John 11:33 we are told,

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.” 

Jesus responds directly with security for Mary, but also with tenderness. From the glimpses we have been given through other interactions between Jesus, Mary, and Martha, it offers us an understanding of the personality and heart of the two women. Mary needed comfort, emotional understanding, and cathartic relief through tears. Jesus offers Mary peace by validating her grief as He Himself weeps with her. At times the person who is hurting does not merely need someone to listen, but someone to cry with them too.

In the same heart posture of meeting someone in the language of their one-of-a-kind spirit Jesus extends to Martha conviction, truth, and a firm footing. He grounds her by offering stability,

“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:23-26

We know from previous accounts that Martha is a no-nonsense, logical doer, whereas Mary is more a feeler. Jesus’s response to Martha was a gift of assurance in her grief. There is the knowing that she needs hard facts, logic, and promise. We can learn so much from Jesus in how He approaches separately the same tragedy with two very different women.

Let Him Speak Your Language

Just as He came alongside Mary and Martha in a precise and intentional manner, their hearts needed most in that moment; He desires to do the same with you. Paul explains to us in the book of Romans that,

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” Romans 8:26

The Holy Spirit of Yahweh ginōskō what all your heart cannot place into words, so hold firm that in that same way He can display to your innermost being understanding, conviction, and what your spirit yearns for in real time. Mary and Martha both met Jesus with the posture of acknowledgement that He is Lord, with respect for God’s Will to ultimately be done, and with open palms for what He would say and do while fully comprehending that He could indeed raise Lazarus from the dead. Taking a nod from them, we too can approach the throne of the Lord with the same awareness and wait upon Him. Do not be afraid to ask Him to take you deeper. Pray that He may make you sensitive to how and when He is speaking, for your eyes and ears to be cognizant of His hand in your life, and to recall ways He has spoken to you in the past. Experiencing this unique communication in the language of the heart will change how you navigate life knowing Jesus walks with you because He knows you. You will tend to seek the Lord with greater eagerness, for you know He can convene with you just as He did Mary and Martha, in a personal, pivotal, and purposeful way.

Source: NASB Bible