Reflections On The Gospel Of John Exemplo

PRESENT Jesus had just performed one of the greatest miracles ever by raising a man from the dead, a man who had been in a tomb for over three days and had begun the early stages of decomposition. After performing this miracle it was now six days prior to the Passover, so Jesus came to the home of Lazarus who had just been raised from the dead to have dinner accompanied by His disciples.

Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha who took very different approaches to making their guest feel welcomed. As Jesus sat at a table prepared with a huge feast before Him, he conversed with His disciples and Lazarus.

Martha went about serving everyone and ensuring everything was just right; making sure the table settings were in place, there was enough to eat, and that the guest had something to drink as she ran back and forth from the kitchen to the entertaining area. Mary, on the other hand, did nothing of the sort and probably did not even lift one finger to help her sister Martha. Mary instead chose to kneel before Jesus and began to anoint His feet with very expensive and costly oil (oil that was valued and almost equivalent to an entire year’s wage during the time). Not only did she pour costly oil on Jesus’ feet, but she went even further by wiping His feet with her hair.

Knowing the time of His death and burial was soon to come Jesus replied, “Let her alone. It was [intended] that she should keep it for the time of My preparation for burial. [She has kept it that she might have it for the time of My embalming]” (JHN.12.7, Amplified Bible). Mary did not wait until Jesus died to anoint Him (according to the custom at the time; she chose to show her gratitude, appreciation, and worship to Him while He was yet alive.

Our work for God is important, but it is our worship that truly makes the difference. There is no time like the present to begin worshiping Him with our whole heart and entire being today!

“Seek God while he's here to be found, pray to him while he's close at hand” (ISA.55.6, The Message).