After all the aggressive questions and sinister plots of the chief priests and the Pharisees - because of which Jesus no longer could move about publicly among the people of Judea (John 11:54) - His stay in Bethany must have been a quiet and refreshment for Jesus. Mary, Martha and Lazarus really loved Jesus, and they accepted His words with all their hearts (Luke 10:39). They had dinner together and Mary showed her love for Jesus by pouring a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, on Jesus’ feet. Peace, joy and love were in that house.
It is striking that these people were only focused on Jesus. They loved Him with all their hearts.
Do we find a message for ourselves here? Are all our thoughts and actions, our daily work, only focused on Him? Do we really love Jesus with all our hearts and do we show this in the little things of everyday life?
When we complain about God being so far away, about perceiving so little of His love, let us sincerely examine our own hearts if – maybe - we have made God secondary in our life. Perhaps we only seek His gifts and blessings, instead of Himself! Or did we get used to rely rather on our own experience and accomplishments? Then we consider godliness as a means to material gain, just like Judas.
But Jesus only looks for our love. Let us not be caught up in our work, in everything that happens to us, but let our heart be a dwelling-place for Jesus. After all, Jesus said that through His Spirit He wants to make His home in the hearts of people who have come to know His will and want to fulfill it in love (John 14:23).