We, too, should not necessarily shy away from theological discussions at the time of death. The doctrine of the sovereignty of God, for example, when used with tact and sensitivity, can bring wonderful counsel and comfort to grieving believers. During a time of grief, some people are especially open and hungry for the truth and comfort that the Word of God can bring through theological discussion. As we've already seen, Mary was a totally different person than her sister, Martha. In her grief, Mary did not go running out to meet the Lord, but sat in the house and wept.
People are different, and they react differently to death.
Some of us are like Martha and grieve deeply, but don't shed a lot of tears. Others of us are like Mary and grieve openly, with many tears. Although this was the same statement, it was probably said with a very different attitude and tone of voice. Mary said it through tears of grief as she fell at the Lord's feet. But He wept with Mary as they walked to the grave site.