Jesus' Day
"The weekend before his death, Jesus stayed at the home of three of his closest friends in the small town of Bethany, about two miles outside Jerusalem. These people weren't among his 12 disciples; they were personal friends—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus chose to spend his last days of freedom with them." - Bill Hybels
Holy Scriptures
John 12:1-11
Psalm 34
Thought
Jesus was also anointed that day in Bethany. The scene depicts at least four of his closest friends present and worshiping him in different ways.
First, Lazarus is reclining at the table, perhaps just chatting with Jesus. Lazarus, not too long before this day, was raised from the dead by a broken-hearted and weeping Jesus after being dead three whole days. These were close friends! Next, Martha is hard at work, making the place comfortable for her Lord and for all of those in his presence. She is happy to please and serve. We find Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet, anointing him in an actual and prophetic way, not holding back any love. Mary worships whole heartedly and is unreserved for he who is worthy. Then there is beloved John, who eventually journaled this event, admiring, loving and noticing the intense beauty and glory of the moment. Clearly every thought and action of these four are naturally and lovingly focused on their friend and Messiah. Their lives equaled worship for Jesus. The only one not worshiping is Judas. Judas sits criticizing the worshipers, calling the beautiful act of Mary a waste.
First, Lazarus is reclining at the table, perhaps just chatting with Jesus. Lazarus, not too long before this day, was raised from the dead by a broken-hearted and weeping Jesus after being dead three whole days. These were close friends! Next, Martha is hard at work, making the place comfortable for her Lord and for all of those in his presence. She is happy to please and serve. We find Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet, anointing him in an actual and prophetic way, not holding back any love. Mary worships whole heartedly and is unreserved for he who is worthy. Then there is beloved John, who eventually journaled this event, admiring, loving and noticing the intense beauty and glory of the moment. Clearly every thought and action of these four are naturally and lovingly focused on their friend and Messiah. Their lives equaled worship for Jesus. The only one not worshiping is Judas. Judas sits criticizing the worshipers, calling the beautiful act of Mary a waste.
Reflection
Jesus is with us as often as we care to acknowledge him and even more. As you prepare your heart for Easter and spend more time with Jesus this week, what kind of worshiper will you be? Will you serve him in your home and work to make everyone feel at ease and comfortable enough to get a little closer look? Will you live out loud and not hold back your worship in word or deed in any way, even to the point of appearing foolish to those who aren’t worshiping? Will you find time to sit at the table and recline – to chat, listen and enjoy time with your close friend, Jesus? Or will you take time to notice the Lord’s presence and the effect of that presence among us – to take notes on the beauty of community and store up stories of God’s goodness in your heart?Prayer of the Day
Pray that God will incline you to worship with your actions, heart, breath and speech until your life equals worship. Remember, you are sharing a space with no ordinary man, no ordinary visitor, but the risen Son of God, Savior of the world. Pray that everyone in our church would be true worshipers in spirit and in truth with minds not set on their own gain. 
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