A Family of Faith
John 12:1-3
1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Thoughts:
The family in Bethany, consisting of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, each had a unique relationship with Jesus. Together, they paint a beautiful picture of a family united in faith, each expressing their devotion in different ways.
This reminds us of the beauty of the Church. The Church is a family of believers, each with different gifts and expressions of faith, but united in our love for Christ. Like Martha, some may express their faith through service. Others, like Mary, may be drawn to sit in worship. And like Lazarus, some may be powerful testimonies of God's transforming work.
Today, appreciate the diversity within the body of Christ. Recognize that your way of expressing faith is valuable, but so are others' expressions that might look different from yours. Also, recognize that each of these family members MUST be a reflection of our lives in some way. While it cannot occur every time, each expression MUST take place at some point. How can you encourage and support your brothers and sisters in Christ in their unique spiritual journeys?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the beautiful diversity in Your Church. Help me to appreciate and encourage others in their faith journey, and to play my unique part in the body of Christ.
1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Thoughts:
The family in Bethany, consisting of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, each had a unique relationship with Jesus. Together, they paint a beautiful picture of a family united in faith, each expressing their devotion in different ways.
This reminds us of the beauty of the Church. The Church is a family of believers, each with different gifts and expressions of faith, but united in our love for Christ. Like Martha, some may express their faith through service. Others, like Mary, may be drawn to sit in worship. And like Lazarus, some may be powerful testimonies of God's transforming work.
Today, appreciate the diversity within the body of Christ. Recognize that your way of expressing faith is valuable, but so are others' expressions that might look different from yours. Also, recognize that each of these family members MUST be a reflection of our lives in some way. While it cannot occur every time, each expression MUST take place at some point. How can you encourage and support your brothers and sisters in Christ in their unique spiritual journeys?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the beautiful diversity in Your Church. Help me to appreciate and encourage others in their faith journey, and to play my unique part in the body of Christ.
Posted in More to the Sermon
Recent
Archive
2026
January
The Power of FaithPraying in the SpiritA Call to ReturnThe Burden of SilenceThe Act of CleansingBuilding Altars of RenewalThe Power of RepentanceLetting Go of the OldThe Challenge of SanctificationBurdens Left BehindGod’s Part, Our ResponseFreedom in ReleaseLifting Our Eyes to the True SourceThe Problem of Looking at Temporary SolutionsFinding Hope Amidst HopelessnessInterceding for Others and Drawing Near to GodEmbracing God’s Tests with FaithThe True Command in the Great CommissionIdentifying with Christ through BaptismTeaching and Growing in ChristBeing Present in God's WorkObedience Over Expectations
February
Unequally YokedA Door of HopeThe True Vine, Not Just a SymbolAbiding, Not Just BelievingPruned to Bear MoreConnected in Truth, Not Just in AppearanceMuch Fruit and Lasting JoyHelp From the SanctuaryRejoicing in Past SalvationConfidence in Present HelpTrusting God With the FutureStanding in Certain VictoryThe Question Behind Our QuestionsThe Two Anchors That Hold EverythingNails, Hooks, and the CrossLove as Our Vertical and Horizontal AnchorAnchored in the Storm, Not Managing the Waves
March
Receiving His Word, Not Just Hearing ItLove Proven by ObedienceLiving in the Father’s Loving FellowshipManifested LoveFrom Curiosity to CommunionOf God or Not Of God?Hearing With The HeartNew Heart, New EarsLove For Christ Shown In Love For His WordsIdentify Yourself By Your Response To The WordJesus Shows Us the FatherTrue Greatness is SubmissionJesus Sees as the Father SeesWhen Healing is Delayed, His Presence is NotThe Son Who Saves and SustainsThe Foundation of FaithWalking with God in a Dark WorldFaith That Follows When the Way Is UnclearGod Rewards Those Who Seek HimA Testimony That Pleases GodSeeing God's AppointmentWhat Are You Expecting Jesus To Be?
April
The Donkey and God's FaithfulnessKnowing the Word, but Missing the LordSeeing Jesus ClearlyWhen Peace Is GoneFig Leaves And False CoveringsHiding From The God We NeedGod Comes To Ruined HeartsSeeing People As God Sees ThemChrist Above AllLeaving the Old World BehindBearing the CrossCounting the CostTreasure, Heart, and True DiscipleshipNot Left As OrphansBecause He Lives, I LiveLoving Jesus Through ObedienceGod Makes His Home With UsNo More “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not”Guarding Against Spiritual CancerWe Belong To One BodyThe Power House Of The ChurchThe Nucleus Of The Heart
May
Heal And Build The BodyGod Is LightWalking In The LightFellowship Beyond Our ImaginationCleansed From All SinForgiven Beyond Our MemoryJesus Sees More Than Your ConditionThe Cause Or The CureSpiritual Blindness And The Need For LightObedience And The Touch Of JesusFrom Blindness To WorshipJoy Made Full in a Sanctified Life
No Comments