April 29 – You Will Always Have the Poor

Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. ... "For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me." John 12: 1-3, 8

Jesus enjoyed good food and good fellowship. Here he was again at the home of His gracious friends Martha, Mary, and the risen Lazarus. What a joyous celebration this must have been. The sisters were so grateful that Jesus had revived their brother from the dead...and Mary was now anointing Jesus with some precious oil. The climate was hot and dry, so oil was a precious commodity to replenish and refresh guests. This was a special oil and Mary was actually preparing Jesus for His death and burial. He was telling His disciples and friends yet one more time that He wouldn't be with them much longer. There would always be poor people--that needed help--but He wouldn't always be with them. Were they listening? Are you listening?

RSVP: Jesus would like to sit at your table--or recline at a meal with you--as He did with His friends at Bethany. What would you serve? Remember He told Martha that one (dish) was enough. The important thing is to listen to His teachings. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You were such a blessing to Your friends--and a You are a blessing to me and my family. Thank you for hearing our prayers and for giving Jerry a healing touch to his hip joint and added strength now during his physical therapy. Please continue to heal and strengthen him for the trip ahead of us...home!

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.