Priorities are made and choices are made. Many times, opportunities to grow in faith are set aside but this day with God, let us make Jesus our number one as we grow our faith beyond just the mediocre.

It was six days before the Passover as recorded in John 12:1-11, and Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus lived. This is Lazarus who Jesus had raised from the dead who was the brother of Martha and Mary.

They gathered for dinner in Jesus’ honor (v. 2). While Martha was preparing a dinner, Mary decided to pour expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her attitude and actions revealed that she was totally focused on what was most important in her life.

Judas Iscariot who would later betray Jesus said that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor, but reading further, the passage says Judas was really not concerned for the poor. He was keeper of the money bag and would help himself to what was put into it (v. 6).

When a large crowd found out that Jesus was there, they came not only to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus. Having a friendship with Jesus like Lazarus did gives us an example that we should want to emulate because Lazarus was turning people’s attention to Jesus. The chief priests could not let this happen because they believed the Romans would take away the temple and their nation if Jesus threatened them. They not only wanted to kill Jesus but wanted to kill Lazarus too.

The take away for us is to know what’s most important in our life and focus in on that. To understand that what’s on the inside or in the heart is most important because that’s what will ultimately come out in what we do and how we do it. Let us remember the old saying “actions speak louder than words”.

Along this journey God, help us to focus on what is most important like Mary did. To keep focused on what truly matters most. Help us to use the individual skills we have to reveal Your glory. To focus on the eternal and our relationship with Jesus so we stay on target with our purpose which is turning people’s attention to Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.