There is a difference between loving Jesus and understanding Him.

Mary Magdalene loved Jesus deeply. She had been forgiven much. But on resurrection morning, she showed up at the tomb with spices. She came prepared to anoint a dead body. Her heart was full of devotion, but her head was full of death. She was looking for a corpse when she should have been looking for a King.

Contrast this with Mary of Bethany.

She is the one who famously sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His word. She isn't mentioned at the tomb that morning. Why?

Because she knew He wouldn't be there.

She had listened. She had developed what we might call spiritual intelligence. While others were busy doing, she was busy receiving. She understood that death could not hold Him because she took the time to hear His heart.

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

Busyness often masks a lack of discernment. We run around trying to "do" for God, bringing spices to dead situations, while He is waiting for us to sit and listen so He can show us where the life is.

Don’t just offer activity. Offer attention.

The one who sits at His feet knows more than the one who runs to the tomb.