“Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead.”
John 12:1 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.12.1.nlt
I love the song, “Broken and Spilled Out” that tells this story.
Recently I have really started paying attention to people’s reactions to Jesus in the Bible as they are often so varied. And then I pray about what my heart response is. Not 50+ years ago when I originally gave my heart to Christ – but today.
Mary, Martha and Lazarus – making him a supper
Martha – serving
Lazarus – giving him companionship at the table; enjoying his presence
Mary – giving her most precious possession; anointing him, the fragrance of her gift filling the room (was she aware that this was his last week on earth before his crucifixion?)
Judas – one who had been a close companion for 3 years, intended to betray him, he had pilfered Jesus’ ministry coffers
Jews – intended to kill him AND Lazarus. Isn’t that interesting – that they wanted to kill him because he had been raised from the dead. Didn’t they think he could be raised again?! Because of jealousy.
Lord, help us recognize our responses to you that are not honoring to you. So often our responses are more based on a mundane checklist than a great desire to love and honor you in all of our being.
Give us the heart that loves you enough to be moved and changed into your likeness. Amen.
Make Me A Blessing 