…a dinner was given in Jesus' honor.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. It’s only natural his family would want to do something to express their thanks. But what to give?
What do you give to someone who is so powerful He doesn’t need anything? Someone who even has the power over death? Someone who already has everything He needs?
What do you give to such a person when He brings your dear brother back to life?
Lazarus’ family chose to give the simple gift of a celebratory dinner in Jesus’ honor.
They invited guests. Martha served the meal and Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair.
They gave the very best any person can give or receive – the gift of hospitality!
So what should we give to repay Jesus for giving His life for us? Dying for our sins? For His promise of a future resurrection?
Students of Jesus give the gift of hospitality also. Grateful students present the very same devoted attention to Jesus that was exemplified by Martha’s serving and Mary’s anointing.
This is the every day life of a student of Jesus. They open their hearts and lives to Jesus. Welcome Him and honor Him by paying special attention to Him.
A living celebration in His honor!
This is the greatest gift a human being can give to another. And of this gift we can almost hear Jesus say – Oh, this is just what I always wanted!
Right on, Denny - living sacrifices! Rom 12:1-2
ReplyDeleteAs for the chief preists... flawed logic.
"So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him."
LEt's see, if things aren't going our way we'll fix it one way or the other. They couldn't (to this point) find a good reason to arrest Jesus - so let's kill Lazarus.
How often though do we know we should change certain things about our lives, and instead of being obedient, we try to find a way around it? Self justification? Compare to those worse off rather than to the perfect teacher? Make excuses? Rationalize?
It's flawed logic as well.
We can't do away with the truth, nor bend truth to fit our desires. At that point, it is no longer truth.
Humility, repentence, and following the Teacher is the only way to life!