Mary and Joseph are getting close to Bethlehem. They arrive at Bethany. It would be a place of rest for them-a place where children could play in the street. Mary prayed her baby would soon be such a happy child, playing with such good friends.
Jesus would find happy times and refreshment in Bethany. It was there that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus would be among His very best friends. He would rest there.
But Bethany would also be the place where some of Jesus' most memorable words would be spoken. They would be words about choices. While Martha was concerned she was not getting any help from her sister, Jesus affirmed, "Mary has chosen the good part" (Luke 10:42b). They would be words about the assurance of Jesus being "the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25a).
Jesus would show some of His deepest human emotions here. It is here "He wept" (John 11:35).
It is here Jesus would perform the miracle that would leave His opponents no apparent choice. He would raise Lazarus from the death.
It is from here He will enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey, with the crowds cheering Him on. "Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest!" Bethany was for Mary and Joseph, and later for Jesus, both a resting place and a launching place.
Perhaps you have a Bethany. You, too, are getting close to Bethlehem. I hope you have a place to rest, in the presence of good friends. For soon you will embark on the activities of the celebration of the Incarnation. Much of what you will experience will be expected and anticipated. There may well be some surprises. Pace yourself.
THE PRAYER: We are so grateful for the role Bethany played in the life of Jesus. Bless our time in our Bethanys. Amen.
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