A Quiet Preparation for the King
The Daily Devotional
Saturday, April 12, 2025
A Quiet Preparation for the King
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. (John 12:1)
Introduction
As the world draws closer to Holy Week, the Gospel of John gently invites us to pause in Bethany, just six days before the final Passover Jesus would observe. It is a quiet, tender moment before the storm. Here, among friends—Lazarus, Martha, and Mary—Jesus finds sanctuary. It is in this stillness that we, too, are invited to prepare our hearts for the Passion to come.
Reflection
Bethany was not a palace. It had no banners or trumpets, no fanfare awaiting a king. Yet Jesus chose to spend this sacred time not with the elite, but with those who loved Him deeply—those who had seen His power, heard His teaching, and offered Him the humble hospitality of a home.
Imagine a soldier the night before a great battle. Instead of sharpening his sword or pacing restlessly, he sits quietly with his comrades, perhaps sharing stories, perhaps just listening to the crackling of the fire. The real preparation isn’t in the armor, but in the soul. That’s what Jesus found in Bethany—a place to anchor His spirit in love before facing betrayal, torture, and death.
In that home, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiped them with her hair (John 12:3). It was a lavish, intimate act, one that foreshadowed His burial but also revealed the depth of her devotion. It is in these simple, heartfelt gestures that the Kingdom often reveals itself.
Application
Today, on this Saturday before Palm Sunday, we are called not to rush ahead, but to linger in the quiet. Prepare your heart, not by doing more, but by sitting with Jesus—through prayer, reflection, or even silence.
Ask yourself: What is your Bethany? Who are the people who bring you back to the heart of Christ? Are you making space in your life to draw near to Jesus in love and gratitude before the trials of the coming week?
This is a day for spiritual anointing—a day to bring your offering to Jesus, whatever form it takes: praise, repentance, service, or rest.
Conclusion
Before the palms are waved and the shouts of “Hosanna!” ring out, we meet Christ in a quiet home among friends. As we prepare for Holy Week, may we learn to value the stillness of Bethany. For it is in these moments of love and intimacy with the Lord that our faith is fortified.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, as You drew near to the cross, You chose first to draw near to those who loved You. Teach us to do the same. Help us to pause today, not in fear or haste, but in love and quiet preparation. May we offer You our hearts as Mary did—without hesitation, without holding back. Fill our homes and spirits with the peace of Bethany, that we might be ready to walk with You in the week to come. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
