Mary in the Moment!
John 12
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem and ultimately to the cross, he stops at Mary and Martha's house. They were Lazarus' sisters, who were close friends of Jesus. Martha's personality was about making preparations and getting things ready for her master. Mary was content to sit at Jesus' feet and to worship him. In this instance, she is led to take an expensive perfume and anoint Jesus for his burial. She had amazing insight into who Jesus was, and was one of his most ardent followers.
I have always felt Martha has gotten a "bad rap". After all, someone has to get things ready for the Master. Jesus mildly rebukes her by saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried about so many things, but your sister has chosen what is better." This reminds us that sometimes we get so busy with tasks, we forget about relationships. Jesus was only going to be with his friends these sisters for awhile, and he wanted to make sure that they did not miss the importance of the moment.
I know I am guilty of getting in task mode and forgetting those around me. In our relationship with God we can get busy with doing things for God that we forget to sit at his feet and worship him. Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet was an act of extravagant worship. It was not only extremely costly but washing Jesus' feet involved an act of absolutely humility and servitude. Like any relationship we most not neglect just spending time together. Jesus spent large amounts of time with His father. Most everything Jesus' did after meeting with Him.
As we enter the season of Advent, we countdown to Jesus' birth. God came out of heaven and entered our world. Take time to be like Mary and sit at our Savior's feet this year. Experience the wonder and miracle of His birth while we wait for His return.
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem and ultimately to the cross, he stops at Mary and Martha's house. They were Lazarus' sisters, who were close friends of Jesus. Martha's personality was about making preparations and getting things ready for her master. Mary was content to sit at Jesus' feet and to worship him. In this instance, she is led to take an expensive perfume and anoint Jesus for his burial. She had amazing insight into who Jesus was, and was one of his most ardent followers.
I have always felt Martha has gotten a "bad rap". After all, someone has to get things ready for the Master. Jesus mildly rebukes her by saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried about so many things, but your sister has chosen what is better." This reminds us that sometimes we get so busy with tasks, we forget about relationships. Jesus was only going to be with his friends these sisters for awhile, and he wanted to make sure that they did not miss the importance of the moment.
I know I am guilty of getting in task mode and forgetting those around me. In our relationship with God we can get busy with doing things for God that we forget to sit at his feet and worship him. Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet was an act of extravagant worship. It was not only extremely costly but washing Jesus' feet involved an act of absolutely humility and servitude. Like any relationship we most not neglect just spending time together. Jesus spent large amounts of time with His father. Most everything Jesus' did after meeting with Him.
As we enter the season of Advent, we countdown to Jesus' birth. God came out of heaven and entered our world. Take time to be like Mary and sit at our Savior's feet this year. Experience the wonder and miracle of His birth while we wait for His return.
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