What did Jesus like? dislike?
The Bible shows from specific situations what Jesus likes and what He dislikes. When one knows these, as lovers of Jesus we can go on the path to please and delight Jesus.
For one, He loves us so much that He endured the cross for us, washing away our sins, making us righteous. And with His resurrection, we were made in right standing with God. The only response to His love is to love Him and to please Him. On the flip side, it’s important to know what displeases Jesus and avoid going that path.
Why does being like Martha’s sister Mary matter?
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, she desired only one thing. To hear Jesus. To hear him when he spoke. To hear even when he was silent. Sitting at His feet, near Him, to look into His eyes. Nothing else mattered. Perhaps Mary asked Him about aspects she wanted to know more about. The explanations of Jesus removed the veil, making profound and difficult things understandable.
Mary wondered when Jesus explained matters which had just come up in her mind, but she had not yet expressed in words. Martha, Mary’s sister was busy in the kitchen. She was preparing snacks or perhaps a meal for Jesus. Martha was busy. Her mind was anxious if what she was cooking would turn out good and tasty. If the dish was seasoned well, if it was marinated enough? If the quantity cooked would be enough. Mary and Martha were sisters of Lazarus. All three siblings were dear friends of Jesus.
Why are many of us like Martha?
Did Martha have sibling rivalry? We do not know. But one thing we can be certain of is that she wished to have help. She did not like that Mary was at the feet of Jesus hearing him, without being hassled about what was going on in the kitchen. After waiting for a long while Mary complained. I need help in the kitchen. Jesus, please ask Mary to help me.
Jesus heard people from far and near. He knew Martha was worried not only about the taste, quantity, and spiciness of the dishes, that Greek yoghurt was not available at home, the freshly washed towels were not hung near the hand wash area. She wanted to be a good host for Jesus. Jesus told Martha you have surrounded yourself with many things, your to-do list is huge and burdensome for you, you think and worry a lot. You are anxious about many things.
Why is heart surgery important?
Jesus said that only one thing is required. Mary has chosen that good part. That will not be taken away from her. Mary was more concerned about taking care of her heart. Pruning the branches and manuring the vine well. She cared less about everything else, be it her appearance, her home being orderly for guests, or what was cooking to be offered to Jesus.
Mary knew that taking care of the condition of her heart mattered most. She knew hearing Jesus, His life-giving words, being in His presence, would transform her heart. Mary knew why taking care of the heart mattered most. So she wanted to spend time sitting at the feet of Jesus and get a heart surgery in the spiritual sense carried out.
You and I have an opportunity to get our heart surgery done when we prayerfully read the Bible and consider, evaluate how we need to change the way we think, act and speak.
Bible verses that point to the need for heart surgery?
Here are some of the scriptures from the Bible that Mary would have known. Thus she knew and she was determined. When the master heart surgeon was in her house, everything else became less important.
Importance of hedging and keeping only certain thoughts in one’s heart.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
In life’s difficult situations, it was only required to trust in the Lord.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;(Proverbs 3:5)
Importance of seeing and thinking matters which are pure and holy. Not letting our eyes have a glimpse or ear hear anything that is impure. Maintaining a determined posture of seeking the Lord.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.(Psalms 51:10)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8 )
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mathew 6: 21)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4 )
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalms 19:14)
When options are available, let’s be like Martha’s sister, Mary. Seeking the one thing which is good in the eyes of Jesus. That will not be taken away.
Is Jesus walking with you? Do your words please Him?
Jesus was walking along with his disciples on the road to Emmaus. They did not know it was the resurrected Jesus who was walking along with them. Jesus called them foolish as they were slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken. Jesus, Himself had told His disciples about His resurrection after His death. The prophets had told this. Yet in spite of these repetitions, the disciples did not have any clue or expectation that Jesus would resurrect. Hence Jesus was displeased with the disbelief of His disciples.
Knowing what the prophets have told, knowing the scriptures of the life of Jesus without having our faith and belief doesn’t make sense. When Jesus walks with us, let Him not be displeased. Let the words we speak, our actions, our thoughts be rich with belief and faith in the resurrected Lord and saviour.
What should you pray for?
While many of us pray for our individual desires and wants, we know from the scriptures what Jesus desires us to pray for.
Jesus wanted his disciples to pray that they would not enter into temptation. We don’t need any explanation about the many occasions we are tempted by situations and circumstances. But Jesus’ mention of this matter reminds us that as we pray these temptations we face will be reduced.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26:41-42 KJV)
Jesus told Simon that Satan had asked for Simon to be sifted like wheat. Jesus said that He prayed for Simon that his faith should not fail. And after Simon returned to Jesus, he should strengthen his brethren. Jesus thus highlights the need for us to pray that faith does not fail. We stand strong and determined when our faith is tested. And we remember to strengthen our brethren in their faith walk.
Jesus also wants us to pray for harvesters for His kingdom. When Jesus says the harvest is plenty, it is of the utmost importance that no harvest which is the right time to harvest is missed out. We should be diligent in our Kingdom role.
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” ( Matthew 9:37-38 NKJV)
