Peruse: John 12:1-11 (NLT) Jesus Anointed at Bethany
12 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 3 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.
9 When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11 for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
Ponder: Jesus—the resurrection and the life—is welcome in the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. They love Jesus so much they must find ways to proclaim, serve, and worship him. Lazarus proclaims and worships Jesus as the True Son of God who raised him back to life and crowds in Bethany and Jerusalem hear his testimony. Love compels Lazarus to share the Truth and many accept Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. Love compels Martha to prepare a feast as a way to worship and serve Jesus. Love compels Mary to anoint the feet of Jesus with nard; the fragrance fills the house. Her tears spill forth as she expresses her gratitude and worships him. In this moment, the presence and grace of God surrounds these worshipers as they gather to love and listen intently to the heart of their Creator. This is what we, as disciples of Christ, do when we gather around the Word of God; we proclaim, serve, and worship the Lord out of love and gratitude. Welcome Jesus into the home of your heart and let him speak Truth to your soul, today. Like Lazarus, Martha and Mary let love compel you to express your worship and gratitude for all he has done for you.
Prayer: Lord, may the fragrance of your anointed presence permeate my home, my heart, and my life. I love and worship you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.