“Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.” (Mark 11:11)

I have two very special friends in my life. Whenever I am in their home; I feel loved, honored, respected, welcomed and secure enough to just be me. My friends have invited me to their home for dinner and on special occasions. I have also showed up unannounced, anytime of the day or night. The reception is always the same: Welcome! There has never been a time when I have felt uncomfortable or unwanted, and when I leave, I always depart refreshed and encouraged. Everyone needs a place like this. I am so grateful I found my place.

The church of the living God should be a place where people are welcomed and ministered to; a place where people who are hurting can find healing and restoration. Jesus had a wonderful place where He could go and be ministered to and at the same time find  enjoyment. I know we normally do not associate the Lord with having to find a place where he could enjoy Himself and be ministered to, but He did have such a place. This place was called Bethany.

The bible says that whenever Jesus went to Jerusalem He would return to Bethany to spend the night in the house of Mary and Martha the sisters of Lazarus. “Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.” (Mat. 21:17 NLT) This was a regular pattern in the life of Jesus. He went to Bethany either before or after spending time in Jerusalem. In Bethany, Jesus was welcomed with open arms by Mary, Martha and Lazarus, people who were family to Him.

They accepted Him as He was. They lavished him with love, respect and honor. Most of all, He was allowed to be Himself. They drew deeply upon His wisdom and teaching.

The church should be our spiritual Bethany; a place where we can be transparent and unguarded because we are in the safety of our family and friends, the body of Christ. The Bible says: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized in one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:13) The church

should be the place where you can find love, freedom, fellowship and enjoyment. Why did Jesus love Bethany?

Because He was continuously pursued and rejected in Jerusalem by the religious leaders of His day. They conspired and opposed Him at every turn. The religious leaders set traps for Jesus; they ridiculed His ministry and finally they carried out their main objective, which was to put Him to death in that same city. While He was persecuted in Jerusalem, He was anointed and loved in Bethany.

“Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume…Therefore Jesus said, Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.” (John 12:3-7)

Jesus is looking for a place where He is welcomed. That place is in your heart. If you receive Him unconditionally and obey His commands, He will share His wisdom and inspirations with you. Then the church should become your Bethany. I pray that your local church is such a place. A place where people who are hurting, confused can find love, acceptance and restoration. Do you have a Bethany? 

Purchase Bishop Jemmott’s books and sermons including his latest release entitled “Still Standing” here.