Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Psalms 78-83
     New Testament Reading: John 12

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead (John 12:1).

Jesus is making His final trip to Jerusalem; His crucifixion is only a week away. But on His way, He had to make one last visit with His dear friends in Bethany. As John describes the last acts of the three siblings, he provides wonderful examples for all Christians to imitate.

First, is Martha doing what Martha does. Jesus and His disciples are dining with her brother and there is Martha, hard at work serving Jesus. It was Martha, unnoticed, working diligently in earnest to prepare the meal. Her steadfast devotion to making certain everything was organized and serving the dinner was just as much a fragrant offering as Mary’s ointment.

As the Apostle Paul wrote about our work, whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ (Col. 3:23–24).

Next comes Mary, showing her devotion to Jesus by taking the place of a servant and anointing His feet. Her act of love and worship was public, spontaneous, sacrificial, and personal. It is significant to note that Mary of Bethany was not one of the women who went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. She had not waited until it was too late to show her admiration. While He was still alive, she anointed Him in a beautiful act of personal worship.

Mary’s only focus was on Jesus. She wasn’t distracted by anyone around her. She wasn’t worried about what anybody thought about her. She didn’t draw attention away from Christ. She just sat quietly and humbly at His feet and made Him the center of her world. Can we say the same about our worship?

Last is their brother Lazarus. John tells us that a large crowd of the Jews came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead(v.9). Not only did they come to see him, but he was the reason many of the Jews were believing in Jesus (v.10).

In all of scripture, there are no recorded words of Lazarus. However, through his witness, many people came to Jesus. As St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” Our lives speak the gospel to others. For good or bad, we influence those around us every day. Are we drawing them to Christ?

The examples of these precious friends of Jesus provide us with examples of Godly behavior that comes only from a transformed life through Jesus Christ. True to their personalities, Martha worked in serving Jesus, Mary worshipped at His feet, and Lazarus’ very life was a witness to His miraculous power. It is a balance of our Work, our Worship, and our Witness that defines our Walk with God.