John 12:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 12Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. Verse 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Verse 3Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Verse 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, Verse 5"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Verse 6(He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Verse 7Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. Verse 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
Devotion
John 12:1–8 shows the siblings Martha, Lazarus, and Mary engaging in a dangerous act of hospitality in Bethany. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from death to life (John 11). This miracle had convinced some leaders that Jesus was a threat and should be put to death. So, Jesus left town while the leaders ordered anyone who knew where he was to turn him in.
Amidst these threats, Jesus eventually returns to the home of Martha, Lazarus, and Mary (12:1). Knowing the risks they take in offering hospitality to a fugitive, the siblings receive Jesus and his disciples and serve them dinner. What may seem like an ordinary act is actually a bold expression of love for Jesus. May this embolden us to invite Jesus into the parts of our lives that seem scary or beyond redemption. And may we, too, offer hospitality to those whom others reject.
Prayer
God of true life, give us courage to welcome you daily into our lives, as we also offer hospitality to those in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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