GodReflection: Come and See—God Saved the Best for Now
“Come and see,” said Philip (John 1:46). “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now” (John 2: 10).
Surely, it didn’t take long after the release from the dark tomb of death to life in the sun (Son) for the event to become the talk around every dinner table in both Jerusalem and Bethany.
John asks us to come and see the Bethany home for some of God’s best saved for now. He invites us to a celebratory dinner hosted by the three siblings.
Martha was in charge so with precise execution the dinner could not have been better. It was an occasion of honor and thankfulness. Lazarus, whom the sisters had lost to death was alive and well. There could be no doubt the Son of God loved them all.
Jesus their friend was guest at the table. By this point in the story they recognize just how special is this friend. He’s Messiah. He’s God’s Son. He’s Life. He’s Resurrection.
Two quick observations from dinner:
First, the entire event from tomb to table was about the gift of grace. The principal player in the story is not Lazarus but Jesus. His love and power are center stage under God’s spotlight. There is not one recorded word from the mouth of Lazarus.
Everyone knew this celebration was taking place. The people flocked to Jesus. The chief priests not only aimed to remove Jesus from the stage but they made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him (12:10-11).
Second, something happened at the dinner that still rings out around the globe.
A few days earlier Mary was on the ground at the feet of Jesus. She was well aware of Jesus power to heal sickness. But, he had arrived too late. From her knees Jesus read the hurt in her heart and the faith that he could have helped had Lazarus only held on for four more days, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (11:32). To her surprise Jesus raised the desire of her heart.
Back to the dinner Mary is now found on her knees before Jesus in grateful worship. To understand her journey from acquaintance, to friend, to Messiah, I go outside of John’s Gospel to Luke. There I am drawn to what was possibly Jesus initial visit to their home. It may have been Mary’s first time at the feet of Jesus.
Jesus came to a village where a woman named Martha lived. She welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don’t you care? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things. But few things are needed. Really, only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
At the celebration meal Martha serves as she shows gratitude for what took place at the tomb. With Lazarus, Jesus, and other friends at the table Mary assumes her familiar posture before Jesus.
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume . . . It was worth a year’s pay . . . “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “The perfume was meant for the day I am buried” (12:3,5,7).
She had just witnessed a resurrection. Surely, in humble and grateful humility she must have knelt in awe of the fact that “God with us” was at the table.
After what she had experience at the tomb I wonder if she concluded, “Messiahs reign rather than die.” What could be more fitting than to anoint Messiah as King? “The perfume was meant for the day I am buried” was no longer needed for Jesus’ dead body but to celebrate life. Messiah is life not death.
It was a memorable celebration dinner. And all these centuries later John still invites us to stop by. Don’t you think Life that gives resurrected life is still worthy of celebration?
Stay tuned.
Dr. Gary J. Sorrells
A GodReflection: Come and See a Celebratory Dinner
God Reflection 