Thoughts on the Gospel of John (105) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom he had raised from the dead. 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 12:1-3.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (105)
The most significant week of world history had begun: Jesus would be crucified shortly. John's report of what happened from now until the end of chapter 19 took place in a few days.

Our Lord again visited Bethany where Martha, Mary and Lazarus lived. Here He felt at home, for they loved Him.

The atmosphere in the house was not always as now. Martha had once complained to the Lord about her sister Mary. On another occasion deep mourning marked the scene, for Lazarus had died. But then the family experienced the Lord's resurrection power; so now peaceful order and harmony reigned (cf. Luke 10:38-42, John 11).

Outside things were different: people sought to kill Jesus. But in the house in Bethany there is peace and joy, for the Son of God was at the centre of things. A supper had been prepared expressly for Him, even if His twelve disciples were also present.

In their different ways His three friends show how they esteem Him: Martha served, Lazarus sat at the table with Him (a sign of fellowship), and Mary anointed Jesus' feet with extremely precious spikenard. Out of her adoration for Him she dedicated the best she had. That is true worship.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Judges 4:17-5:11 · 2 Corinthians 4:7-18