As we meditate JOHN 12 today, God is showing us how we could express our Love for the Lord in verses 2-3.
“So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
John 12:2-3 ESV
Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus were evidently close friends of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)
Jesus was with them even in difficult times, when Lazarus died but He raised him from the dead because He loved them (John 11:43-44).
Jesus loved them (John 11: 3,5,35,36)
3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
We have seen how much Jesus loved His friends. He comforted, lifted up their down spirits and body (raised from the dead), visited their home, and conversed with them.
As mutual friends, how do Martha, Mary, and Lazarus show their love towards JESUS?
3 BIBLICAL LOVE LANGUAGES
SERVICE
Martha’s love language: Act of Service (John 12:2).
Everytime Jesus visits them, Martha would automatically serve Jesus with food and with what He needs (see John 10:40).
She was so grateful and so happy to serve Jesus. Though at times, she also felt troubled serving as a human being like us. But she was so grateful and so happy to serve Jesus.
Likewise, we have the love language like Martha when:
We serve without double mindedness, without thinking if we can or cannot do it.
We serve without thinking ‘’Me first’’, without even thinking to sit at the most comfortable or the best seat.
We serve Jesus through serving all He loves regardless of their situations and standing in life, great or small, we serve them equally like the tangible person, named Jesus.
We serve Jesus through doing even what we think is the least honorable/important task as long as it glorifies God.
We serve Jesus and all He loves with cheerfulness in our hearts without expectations of return.
WORDS
Lazarus’ love language: Words of Affirmations (John 12:2).
In verse 2, it shows that Lazarus expressed His love for Jesus through words. As he’s the one reclining at the table facing Jesus and conversing with Him.
As to what they are talking about? It’s between close friends like them.
Likewise, we have the love language like Lazarus when:
When we keep the communication of God alive through prayer and hearing His words in daily devotion.
Before others know the story, Jesus was told first.
When our mouths are filled with positivity, and words of thanksgiving about everything.
We do not skip a day without giving praises of adoration to God.
Telling Him everyday that we love Him and make sure that He can feel the sincerity of our hearts.
GIFTS
Mary’s’ love language: Giving gifts (John 12:3).
Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard.
Spikenard was one of the most expensive perfumes in Yeshua's day. A pound was said to cost an entire year's salary for the average worker.
It’s Mary who showed how costly, precious, and valued the Lord is to her.
Likewise, we have the love language like Mary when:
When we love to give/it’s easy for us to give
We always want to make Him feel special.
When intentionally give Him our precious time to come in worship.
When we give up the most valuable things that we have to offer to Him.
When we surrender our life as a gift for Christ.
Reflections:
How about you?
Do you love Jesus?
What is your love language to Jesus?
Have you desired all these three love languages?
After all the love we have been receiving from the Lord, it’s time to give back. May we have these three love languages to God. May God also feel loved everyday. May He not only give but receive so much love from His children dearly loved by Him.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30
No comments:
Post a Comment