Dinner parties take planning, preparation and presentation. Guest”™s needs are a priority. The hostess/host put their guest”™s needs first for those hours of entertainment. The house cleaned, the meal planned, groceries bought, the food prepared; the table set, and the hostess/host get ready to greet their guests.

Martha must have been in “˜seventh heaven”™; she loved to bustle about in the kitchen. She was the hostess to Jesus and His disciples. He had raised her brother from the dead not long ago. She and her sister must have been elated to have their brother back from the grave.

Now”¦now, Martha could give an act of devotion

…the Giver of Life.

What do you do as an act of devotion to your Savior Who has given you life? Martha served Him in her area of expertise. Whatever you choose to do well, that is your area of expertise”¦do you serve Him?

(NIV) John 12:1 “SIX DAYS before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus”™ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.”

Bethany was located on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. It was about two miles from Jerusalem. Jesus had stayed with Martha, Lazarus and Mary in the past. And this home would be His headquarters for this last week of His life. It was close to all that He would be involved in as He fulfilled His Father”™s word and will.

Six days before Passover ““ Jesus was beginning a week that would leave His disciples horrified and filled with fear, until His resurrection (which they did not comprehend).

Knowing what would take place ““ still Jesus graciously accepted the dinner invitation and entered fully into the meal which honored Him.

Martha”™s act of devotion was one of service and she actually faded into the background of that evening.

And that selflessness of Martha is a good example for us also. We also should serve Jesus, honor Him and to do it without undue recognition as Martha”™s example given in this account.

To serve Jesus ““ is to do so

as an act of devotion and to honor Him.