Holy Week: Monday

I love to visualize every single day during Holy Week. Where did Jesus stay? Who did he talk to? What gave him comfort? What was on the mind of the Holy One? What did he deem important during his last earthly hours? This Holy Week, each day, walk with me through a portion of his day.

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12: 1-2

Jesus and his disciples had traveled from Galilee to Jerusalem. They traveled through Jericho where Jesus met with Zaccheus. On Friday, one week prior to his crucifixion, Jesus came to Bethany, a small town 2 miles from Jerusalem. It is believed he stayed the weekend through Wednesday night in the home of dear friends, Lazarus, and his sisters, Martha and Mary. This family supported him financially, but more importantly, they made their home his whenever he was in the area. He loved them; they loved him.

On Monday Jesus left Bethany and walked to Jerusalem. On the way he cursed a fig tree that bore no fruit, only leaves. He found the moneychangers had set up their tables again in the temple. He overturned their tables and threw them out. On his return to Bethany his followers noticed the fig tree had completely withered.

He came back to Bethany to be in the company of close friends. This is my thought for the day. Close friends... Lazarus, Martha and Mary. We know this family fairly well. And we know our own Lazarus', Marthas' and Marys'. Friends who share our faith. Friends we cry with. Friends who are God given. Friends who carry us before and after our darkest days. The friend whose home is home away from home, and lets you drag in at any time of day, in any condition. The friend who feeds you, nourishes you, and puts you back on the road the next morning. Close friends of Bethany. I love thinking of each one. One of the dearest, simplest, most profound comforts of God for His Son during his last week.