You have invited Christ into your life — but what are you doing with Him?

John 12:1-8
You have invited Christ into your life — but what are you doing with Him?

Six days before Passover, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. Our reading finds Him in Bethany, welcomed at the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Jesus was invited for dinner — and this was not their first meal together; it was something they often did.

In Luke 10, we see Martha hosting Jesus before. This was the same home where He had raised Lazarus from the dead, and now, here He was again — sharing a meal.

So I ask again: You have invited Jesus into your life, but what are you doing with Him?

Let us look at the three people in this story and see what we can learn.

Martha

Martha invited Jesus and His company. She was hospitable — a natural entertainer, always cooking for others and supplying food to her neighbors. She was a strong supporter of Jesus’ ministry. Wherever Jesus went, He was often accompanied by His disciples, and Martha had the capacity and willingness to feed them all.

She was active, kind, bold, and independent — never shying away from her duties.

How many of us are like Martha?

In the parable of the sheep and goats, Jesus says: “I was hungry and you fed Me; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink.” Those who failed to do these things were condemned — not for what they did, but for what they failed to do. They asked, “When did You come?” They did not recognize Jesus because He came in ways they did not expect.

The Bible says Martha served them food. She was busy serving everyone — the household and the guests.

Lazarus

Lazarus sat at the table, conversing with Jesus — listening, asking questions, and enjoying His presence. It was a moment of leisure, intimacy, and safety.

Are you at the table with Jesus?

Today, our goal is to speak to and hear from Him. Being at the table is about fellowship — where every topic can be discussed, where we are enriched, where questions can be asked and answered.

If you leave this table without eating, it’s a loss. Find your spoon and eat. Your “meal” might come in the form of a simple song, a word from the pastor, or a prayer from a friend — but you must take something away.

God has given you the opportunity, like Lazarus, to sit at the table with Jesus. Talk with Him. Listen to Him. Fellowship with Him.

Mary

Mary was not at the table as women were often not welcome. Instead, she was at the feet of Jesus. Her whole attention was on Him. She was not distracted by social expectations or kitchen duties. She had one goal: to see, hear, and touch Jesus.

Do you ever have moments where you simply sit at the feet of Jesus?

A lot was happening around her, but Mary was focused solely on Christ. That moment of solitude with Him was the foundation for everything else — for sitting at the table, for serving others.

If you do not begin at the feet of Jesus, you may not truly benefit from the table of Christ. Without that intimacy, you may end up distracted by unimportant things — who is wearing what, how long the pastor is preaching, or what others are doing.

Mary understood who Jesus was — her Savior. She counted the cost, took her expensive oil, and poured it on His feet without hesitation. She didn’t care what others thought; her focus was on Christ alone.

What About You?

There are times we must be like Martha — serving our community, family, and church. There are times we must be like Lazarus — sitting at the table, talking and listening to Jesus. And there are times we must be like Mary — setting everything aside to be at His feet.

No one can choose that “Mary moment” for you — you must choose it yourself. Alone with God, He will speak to you, remind you of His goodness, and fill you with gratitude.

So I ask: Where are you in your life right now?

Is Jesus locked away in your closet? Are you sitting with Him at the table? Are you serving Him? Are you at His feet?

You have invited Him into your life — but what are you doing with Him?