If
Jesus Were To Come For Dinner
Elder Norm Masters Full Time Missionary
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
In a book entitled, “Refined By Christ”, by Toni
Sorenson, she surmised what might have happened behind the scenes when Jesus
came to the home of Martha and Mary to have a meal with them. The biblical account of this event is found
in Luke chapter 10, verses 38 thru 42.
In her book, she explained that Jewish tradition would have her go
outside of her home to greet Jesus and invite him to come inside. If she had advanced notice of His coming to
eat, would she have gone to the store to buy the best food available to feed
Him? What would the meal have consisted
of? Would He be dining alone, or would
others be coming with Him? Would she
change the carpets in her home to honor Him?
The author stated that surely she would be stressed, as was Martha.
Consider what we would do if we found out that Jesus
Christ was coming to our home for dinner?
What if He simply showed up without advanced notice? How would we receive Him? Would we be gracious hosts?
What do we do when we hear a car door close and
unexpected guests arrive at our home? Do
we run around picking up inappropriate magazines, dirty ash trays, and picking
up scattered toys and clothes? Do we
duck down and simply not answer the door?
These techniques simply won’t work if the Savior comes to our door.
Of course, our homes are “lived-in” and may not be
as presentable as we would like them to be.
However, would we be embarrassed by the pictures hanging on the wall, or
the magazines on the table, or other items that we have in our homes? Or, do we have a gospel-centered home where
we would always be ready to accept the Savior with honor?
Our homes do not have to be fancy. They may be humble and yet have a great
spirit within their walls. However,
great or humble, our homes do reflect how we live our lives. Do we love the Savior and does He hold a
place of honor in our homes? Or, does He
not have a place of honor in our homes?
Getting back to the account in Luke, chapter 10
verses 41 and 42, the Savior said to Martha, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful
and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen
that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” In other words, Mary wasn’t concerned about
the mechanics of the Savior’s visit.
Rather, she wanted to hear what he had to say.
In the final analysis, what we would serve the
Savior for dinner would not be as important how we receive him. The Savior
counsels us not to stress over the meal.
Do we appreciate His visit and do we LISTEN to what He has to SAY to us?
When the Savior does come, as He promised us that He
will, will we be prepared to receive Him as the Son of God and our Redeemer? Let us be virtuous and humble and always be
ready to receive Him.
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