Total Devotion
The Bible is careful to remind us that Jesus wants our full devotion to Him. Jesus is not interested in sharing our devotion with other things. He wants our supreme devotion to Him. He wants our complete worship and surrender. And perhaps nowhere is that more demonstrated in the passage before us today.
John 12:2-8 tells us of the importance of our devotion to Christ through the devotion of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. But this passage is not the first time we see her devotion. In Luke 10:38-42 we first see Mary’s devotion. Jesus and his disciples were traveling through Bethany when Martha welcomed them into her home. Martha is busy making the preparations for the meal and Mary is listening to Jesus, taking in all that Jesus had to say. You probably remember the encounter. Martha is frustrated and calls on Jesus to encourage Mary to help her. Little did Martha know that Jesus was pleased with the devotion Mary demonstrated.
And that brings us to John 11 where the Bible tells us the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus lay dead in the tomb. His body was now decomposing, and his family members were feeling the sting of death. That is when Jesus stepped in and raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus showed Himself to be “the resurrection and the life!”
And for that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were grateful. Jesus had given Lazarus new life and Mary never forgot it. She was totally devoted to Jesus. Her life was in full surrender and worship. And her commitment and devotion were sincere and authentic!
And that is exactly what we see in John 12:2-8. Mary, worshipfully, sincerely, and authentically anoints the feet of Jesus. It was a message of sincere devotion to her Lord and Savior. It is interesting though that her devotion is not without criticism.
Then there is Judas, the betrayer, questioning this act of devotion. John is careful to tell us that Judas is a thief and that his motives were impure.
And here we find the lesson for us today. Jesus does not want or need our money, our wealth, our position, our possessions, or even our judgment. He wants our pure devotion to Him. He wants nothing less than full surrender. Mary chose the best part while Judas chose the way of the world.
Is there anything standing between you and Jesus? Does He have your full commitment, your full devotion, and your full surrender?
Read John 12:2-8, Read also Matthew 24-25