Is Jesus Welcome In Your House?

-June 1, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Saturday,

“There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.”

(John 12:2-3).

Jesus was always welcome in the house of Martha in Bethany. Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus. He delighted to spend time with them. This incident occurred after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. On a earlier occasion, as recorded in Luke 10:38-41, Luke records that the house belonged to Martha, and Mary and Lazarus shared it.

Now Martha invites Jesus and His disciples over for supper. Martha served, Lazarus sat at the table with Him, and Mary worshiped Him, pouring expensive perfume on His feet, wiping his feet with her hair.

Each of these three family members represent three wonderful characteristics of the Christian life and home: service, fellowship, and worship. Our homes as well as our lives should be filled with these three qualities continually.

1. Martha represents service – Unlike the first incident, Martha was not distracted by her serving and did not ask Jesus to tell Mary to help her. She found a balance in her serving. She served the Lord with all her heart. We should always serve Him out of love and gratitude.

2. Lazarus represents fellowship – Lazarus was so thankful to be alive; he took advantage of the opportunity to sit at the table with Jesus. Fellowship with the Lord and His people is a high priority. Lazarus made the most of the time.

3. Mary represents worship – Mary worshipped Jesus. She took a pound of oil of spikenard and anointed His feet and wiped them with her hair. Bible scholars tell us that the value of it was three denarii, equivalent to one year’s wages. She had likely been saving it for her wedding day. We praise God for our times of worship in our homes as well as in our churches. To borrow a common expression, “She stole the show.” Jesus commended her and rebuked his disciples for considering it a waste that should have been given to the poor.

Our homes should always be open to Jesus not as a mere guest but as Lord, Head, and Master. I have a plaque in my home, that says, “Christ is the head of this house, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.”

As much as we do it to the least of His brethren, we do it unto Him. We serve others in Jesus’ name; we love others In Jesus’ name; we read and pray in Jesus’ name. Our every word and action should glorify His name. Every TV program should be wholesome, every book and magazine in good taste.

Have a blessed day of service, fellowship, and worship. Stay safe and healthy.

Make Jesus welcome and everyone else will feel the same way.

Dean