present

adapted from a children's time reflection
Shalom Mennonite Church
March 21, 2010 - the 5th Sunday of Lent


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. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3


I like this story about Jesus going to visit his good friends from Bethany. Maybe Jesus knows that there are some hard days ahead, and maybe he just wants to go and spend a day or two with people he cares about and who care about him. It feels good to spend some time with good friends, doesn't it? Especially when we are scared or lonely, or when we're wanting someone to play with or share with.

I notice in this story the different things his friends are doing to show that they care about Jesus.

Martha is making and serving a meal. That is a great way to show someone you care about them!

Lazarus is sitting at the table and visiting with Jesus. Maybe they're telling stories, or jokes, or talking about all the places that Jesus and the disciples have traveled to. Just sitting together and talking, and listening, can be a great thing to do with a friend to show them that you care about them.

Then there's Mary, who brings out this expensive bottle of perfume, pours it on Jesus' feet, then wipes his feet dry with her hair! Have you ever done that with your friend to show them that you care about them?! Nope, I haven't either. I'm pretty sure that my friends would be surprised if I did!

And it seems to surprise and shock some of the people who were in that house long ago, except Jesus. He knows that in this moment this is the way that Mary can best express how much she loves him and cares about him. It doesn't need any words to explain it; it is simply a great and generous gift.

In what great, generous and wordless ways can you show the people you love that you care about them?