Jesus Was a Guest Of Honor

What Did Jesus Do?

Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was,
whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
So they gave a dinner for him there.
John 12.1-2

I am sure that many who read this have, at one time or another, attended some kind of banquet/dinner in honor of someone. Who hasn't been to a wedding reception honoring newlyweds? Or perhaps been at a party celebrating a baptism? A picnic recognizing the newest Little League champions? A 25th or 50th wedding anniversary? A retirement dinner? Of course, we all have been to countless gatherings and feasts held chiefly in order that one someone should receive our congratulations, honor, and praise. In fact, probably all of us have ourselves been the guest of honor at some kind of celebration. Oftentimes, the object of the attention is rather embarrassed by it all, and I suspect most of us would probably say that Jesus preferred not to have the “spotlight” shine on him. But, at least once, he was quite willing to be the guest of honor at a dinner organized just to recognize him for his special service to a family of beloved friends.

John supplies us with details most of us could probably fill in for ourselves. Jesus was en route, six days before the Passover, to Jerusalem, and to the cross (John 12.1). Since Bethany was on the way, it was only natural that the Lord would stop by and look in on his friend Lazarus, recently deceased and then not deceased (See John 11), and the sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. While the Bible doesn't tell us, I imagine then, as with many celebrations now, the dinner was something of a surprise. Lazarus and his sisters probably understood that Jesus was not the kind of man who sought to bring a lot of attention to himself, and he certainly wasn't running for any office, so the plans for the dinner were very likely made without the Lord's knowledge. But when Jesus stopped by the house of Lazarus and knocked on the door, I can see most of the population of Bethany jumping out from their hiding places and shouting “Surprise!” and bursting into a rousing chorus of “For He's A Jolly Good Fellow!” or at least some First Century Aramaic equivalent. A lot of people simply could not contain their enthusiasm for Jesus, though for many it would be a short-lived enthusiasm that would turn to condemnation in less than a week. Nonetheless, the fact was the very next day Jesus would receive a hero's welcome to Jerusalem, in a spontaneous parade to honor him (John 12.12-15). But on this day Jesus was the guest of honor at the dinner in Bethany.

At the dinner, Lazarus, as we would expect, reclined at table with the Lord and other guests, while Martha served, naturally (see Luke10.40). As for Mary, well her singular devotion to Jesus (see Luke 10.39-42) compelled her to express her love for the Lord in such a manner that she is still well remembered for it after nearly two thousand years. While many at the dinner might have thought Mary's action to have been the pinnacle of the evening, others, in particular Judas Iscariot, took offense (John 12.4-5). But John lets us know that the reaction of Judas was nothing more than base greed (John 12.6). The fact is that, as Jesus himself pointed out, until this fallen world comes to an end there will always be opportunities to respond to the needs of the poor. Mary still had a lifetime in which she could compassionately care for those less fortunate than herself, but the time to honor the man who had raised her beloved brother from the dead was growing very short indeed (John 12.7).

From our vantage point, on this side of Calvary, would any of us deny the Lord any honor or recognition? Yet Jesus is no more interested in seeking honors for himself today than he was on that long ago day in Bethany. The truth is, all who will be raised to spend eternity in the Father's kingdom will have Jesus always, and be privileged to attend a never-ending feast honoring the Lamb who was slain for the world, and his Bride (see Revelation 19.6-10). For now, we do well to care for the poor, as we have opportunity and resources—of time, talent, and treasure—to do so. And we do well to invite all, rich and poor alike, to partake of the meal the Lord himself instituted to perpetually recall, and participate in, his dying for our sins and rising for our salvation from death. For at this meal Jesus remains both host and guest of honor.

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4