“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.” (John 12:1-2)
It’s getting near the end of Jesus’ public ministry. Contending with crowds, healing and the constant testing from religious leaders surely took its toll. Stopping at the home of friends was a welcome opportunity. Hospitality was in order. Jesus was both friend and special guest. No doubt Martha garnered all the help she could from others around her home. Everyone could work together to provide hospitality for him and his disciples.
Who receives your gifts of hospitality? Who do you ask to help you when the work is too much to do alone?
This message is adapted from “Freely with Hospitality,” a devotion written by Mary Ingram Zentner for Women of the ELCA.