Today’s Reading: John 12:1-11; Psalm 136
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
CAN YOU IMAGINE HIS GRATITUDE?
Lazarus had been very sick for days. We do not know how many days he was conscious of just how sick it was. Was he praying for his healing? Did he have hope when someone told him that they had sent for Jesus? Was he asking if Jesus had arrived yet? Did he have peace as he took his last breath? But now Lazarus was here, surrounded by his family and friends, as they prepared a dinner in Jesus’ honor. This was his opportunity to once again express just how grateful he was for his resurrection from the dead.
A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. – John 12:2
CAN YOU IMAGINE HER GRATITUDE?
Martha had her brother back! I am guessing she could remember everything about that day — from her voiced disappointment that Jesus had not arrived sooner to her protest to Jesus’ instructions to remove the stone. She was so worried about the smell of death that she was missing the vision of life Jesus was preparing for all of them to see. I am sure she would never forget the sight of Lazarus walking out of the grave.
Martha was in her element throwing a party for Jesus. This was her love language. As she selflessly served each guest who had arrived for this dinner, her heart must have been so grateful for the mercy and grace Jesus extended to her. And this wasn’t the first time. Let’s look back at another dinner Mary and Martha threw for Jesus:
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42
What great timing for this passage of scripture. Today many of us will find ourselves scurrying around a kitchen, preparing a Thanksgiving feast for our family and friends. There is so much to do, and our hope is that everything will go perfectly. But let’s not miss the purpose behind this holiday. Let’s discover what Mary knew — today is the day to sit at the feet of Jesus and show our gratitude for the many ways in which we have been blessed.
Let’s take a moment to look around the room today. Perhaps there will be some missing from our holiday celebration; perhaps there will be heavy hearts and deep needs represented around the table. Let’s not miss the moment to gather together in prayer, letting our Lord know how grateful we are for His faithfulness and provision.
Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. – John 12:3
CAN YOU IMAGINE HER GRATITUDE?
Can you position yourself at the feet of Jesus today and pour out your heart of gratitude to Him? Can you value your time with Jesus over everything else?
But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.
Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” – John 12:4-8
WHERE WAS HIS GRATITUDE AND WHERE IS MINE?
I love Thanksgiving and I am really looking forward to ALL today holds. I am looking forward to the food and the game time; I know my cup will be filled from all the hugs and laughter. But I do not want to miss this opportunity to invite Jesus into our day. There is so much to be thankful for!
What are you thankful for today? I am thankful for YOU! Thank you so much for so faithfully joining me in the study of God’s word each day. Your words encourage me and I thank God today for YOU!
He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:23-26