SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:1-31
OBSERVATION:
The Passover (Jewish feast marking the night the angel of death spared their firstborn sons (Exodus 12:13,23,27) The Feast of Unleavened Bread followed, lasting seven days (Exodus 12:15-20).
Jerusalem was crowded with festival pilgrims, hence the leaders fear of a riot.
The second time Jesus is anointed (Luke 7:36-50), this time by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 12:3). Simon was probably one of the lepers Jesus healed.
The disciples (led by Judas, John 12:4-5) rebuke her for the waste, but Jesus praises her costly gift of love. This incident was the breaking point for Judas (v.10).
The Last Supper was part of the Passover Feast. Judas is present, even though he has already decided to betray Jesus.
Jesus tells them in advance that He will rise from the dead (v.28), and that they will all deny Him (vv.29-30).
There is a contrast between the Jewish leaders determination to kill Jesus, Mary’s expensive offering of love, and the disciples’ response to Mary, and to Jesus’ warning that they will deny Him. Mary’s beautiful act will be remembered for centuries!
APPLICATION:
Do I share Mary’s devotion or the disciples indignation?
“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want” is probably as challenge, given the fact that most of the time we are not concerned about the poor.
How often am I present at the Lord’s table, like Judas, with a divided or empty heart, more concerned about my own affairs than about the Lord?
Of all the characters mentioned here, I am probably most like the disciples, I mean well and talk big, but when the pressure hits I run!
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for being weak, and for not loving You like Mary did. I am more like Judas, with my hand holding my wallet firmly. Help me to be like Mary! Amen.
I have to wonder about any time I’ve ever betrayed Christ, due to being scared to admit it, fearing what others will think, etc. Here, Judas betrays Christ and He says “it would be better for him if he had not been born”. That’s a tough sentance. However, do I not deserve the same for anytime I’ve ever failed to speak up to protect the name of God? Just to throw a question out… if Judas had not been the one to give Jesus up to the chief priests, if somebody else had done that, and Judas had betrayed Jesus after He rose, in the sense of denying his name, would his sentance still be as harsh? I realize that giving Christ up to the chief priests seems much more severe, but are not all sins considered equal, except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? And did Peter not betray Christ by denying His name three times? However, I guess than you could argue that selling Christ to the authorities could be considered blasphemy against the Holy Spirit… Wow, that got real deep in my head real quick. Perhaps that’s a question for when discussing in person?
Sorry if that got confusing in any way!
This passage selection describes the anointing of Jesus at Bethany and also the Passover with His disciples.
The first story reminds me of the question “And what does the Lord God require of you?” To love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. I need to do that always. As the zeal and affection of the anointing was misunderstood, my zeal for the Lord needs to come to expression in what I do and say, no matter what others say. Help me Lord in my Living for Jesus.
The Lord’s supper was given for the strengthening and refreshing my journey for living for Jesus. As His followers then scattered by their sufferings, I need to realize that I too am one of those disciples/followers. I too have denied my Master and Saviour by my actions and words. Lord, give me the zeal to follow You with fear and trembling, so I will be true to You. Help me in my daily walk. I need You every hour.
I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;
temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.