I Saw Jesus in the Kitchen

I saw Jesus in the church kitchen.

He appeared in the form of a newly widowed member, who was preparing food and serving those who were coming to honor her husband. She never stopped serving others, even in what I would imagine is her greatest time of needing to be served herself.

Hands and feet of Jesus on a large scale.

Sometimes I wonder if people understand the difference between worship and serving. I also wonder if they understand that sometimes they are the same thing.

When I watched the widow setting up the food, getting the plates and utensils ready, and fuss over the visitors, I was in awe of the power of living a servant’s life. This was no Mary/Martha moment- it was pure sacrificial love. Unadulterated, pure service.

I realized it’s what she knows. Its what she does. Its how she worships. It’s her prayer and her choice.

It was not a big deal, maybe not even noticeable to others. But I noticed it right away.

The normally steady hands, trembling a bit.

The usually sure, calm smile, looking a little unsteady and not so sure.

The typically serious face, checking things off in her head, now double checking her written list.

The worship was there, mixed among the grief.

The servanthood was there, mixed with sadness.

The love was there, mixed with a little loss.

It was all there, and in that moment I was struck with her ability to simply move, let alone serve.

The story of Lazarus pops into my head. (John 11:17-37) This part of the story is more about the grief, anguish, and emotional state of Lazarus’ sisters, Mary & Martha. In verse 21, Martha says “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” In verse 32 Mary also said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Both women understood the power of Jesus. They both had seen him perform miracles and had been recipients of miracles themselves. They were both grieving the loss of their brother in a deep and personal way. They were both emotional and weary.

Then, it happens. After arriving at their home and hearing the women in anguish, verse 35 tells us everything we need to know.

“Jesus wept.”

The most impactful verse in scripture which reflects his humanity and depth of love for his friend.

 No other words are needed.

Then, Jesus served them.

He went to the tomb and called out his friend. He raised him from the dead. After 4 days in the grave, Lazarus walked out.

I don’t know how people serve when in the depths of grieving. I don’t know if it is auto pilot because it’s what they know, or if there is an innate need to be doing something during this time of heartache and struggle.

What I do know is if Jesus wept for his loss then served his friend, I understand why our church widow stood on her feet and served those who came to honor her husband.

She knows Jesus.

XOXO,