Martha serves

Martha serves

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)

The story of Martha begins and ends with a meal for Jesus. On both occasions He was the guest of honour. In the journey between those meals, we see a beautiful transformation. This morning we see peace where there had been trouble and anxiety. In place of discord, there is harmony. Martha’s strenuous activity and questioning mind are no longer evident. Instead, calm and joyful sacrifice are expressed; “Martha served.”

The Spirit of God records in the meal at Bethany the great features of true Christianity. Christ the centre: “There they made Him a supper.” Sacrificial service: “Martha served.” Fellowship: “Lazarus … sat at the table with Him.” And worship: “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.”

The place the Lord occupies in our hearts determines the value and power of our service. We must never underestimate the importance the Lord places on true service that has Him as its model. Paul reminds us in Hebrews 13:16, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased.” We are in a fellowship of life in Christ. Our experience of this fellowship comes from communion with Jesus, “the Resurrection and the Life”. The closer we are to Him, the closer we are to each other.

Worship pours from hearts overwhelmed by Christ’s love and grace. Mary, in complete silence, powerfully expressed this as she anointed the Saviour’s feet, and the fragrance filled the house.

In the Old Testament the priests were never allowed to anoint themselves with incense. But every time incense was burned, its fragrance rested on them. When they left the house of God, people would be aware of it and benefit from it.

The fragrance of the oil, with which Mary in worship anointed the feet of the Lord, filled the house. In that atmosphere, it rested too on Martha, Lazarus and Mary, both inside and outside their home. May this be our experience too.