Meditation 2: Monday of Holy Week
Some accuse Christianity of being a male dominated religion and in some ways that is true. Through the centuries the church has, at many times and in a variety of ways, limited women's participation in the church unnecessarily. This is not the vision of Christ nor the message of the Gospel. Fallenness and fallibity are not adequate excuses. This was not the way it was with Jesus.
It might be interesting this week to pay close attention to the ministry of the women in Jesus life. In Matthew 26:6-13, early in the week before his death Jesus is the guest of honor at a banquet that is hosted by his friends Martha, Lazarus (whom Jesus raised from the dead), and Mary. All three of these siblings play an important role. Martha, of course, is the host and she is busy making a feast. Lazarus has been recently raised from the dead. His very presence was a gift to his family and to Jesus who loved him very much. But Mary contributes to this story in a remarkable way.
Foreshadow. Mary breaks open an expensive container of perfume and in an act of honor and humiliation lays low at Jesus feet pouring out the perfume on him and wiping his feet with her hair. She spares no expense. The perfume was no doubt expensive and possibly even a family heirloom. The even greater expense, however, is her expression of love, gratitude, and honor to this man on his way to die. Her annointing of Jesus is a reflection of the honor due him as a king, as the Messiah. Yet even more, it is foreshadow of his death. It is in his death, after his disciples have scattered to the four winds, that the women make another appearance. Preparing the body for his burial using spices, linens, and ... perfume.
The disciples get huffy and act superior. It is just before Passover and part of the tradition includes giving to the poor. What a great opportunity to act superior and complain to Jesus that the money should be given to the poor. But Jesus is undeterred and makes the point plain. This is a special time. There are precious few moments left before he is crucified and it is time to celebrate Jesus, honor Jesus and weep for Jesus.
"I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Matthew 26:13)
The rush is always on. There will always be important things to do. We cannot afford to wait until our lives become simpler, easier or less busy to spend time with Jesus. We must go out of our way or we will never, "accidentally" worship him.
the question
What "beautiful thing" will you do for Jesus this week? Let it be something simple, yet extravagant. Through prayer or through reading his word take a few moments to gaze in awe and wonder, to worship God from you heart, and to linger in your time with him.
the prayer
a) Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory beofre he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reighns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
b) Gracious and loving Father, give us hearts like Mary who, regardless of the cost to her fortune or reputation, expressed her love and devotion to your Son that we might always be ready to love you and listen at your feet. Through Jesus name for his sake, Amen.
the psalm
Psalm 36:5-10
It might be interesting this week to pay close attention to the ministry of the women in Jesus life. In Matthew 26:6-13, early in the week before his death Jesus is the guest of honor at a banquet that is hosted by his friends Martha, Lazarus (whom Jesus raised from the dead), and Mary. All three of these siblings play an important role. Martha, of course, is the host and she is busy making a feast. Lazarus has been recently raised from the dead. His very presence was a gift to his family and to Jesus who loved him very much. But Mary contributes to this story in a remarkable way.
Foreshadow. Mary breaks open an expensive container of perfume and in an act of honor and humiliation lays low at Jesus feet pouring out the perfume on him and wiping his feet with her hair. She spares no expense. The perfume was no doubt expensive and possibly even a family heirloom. The even greater expense, however, is her expression of love, gratitude, and honor to this man on his way to die. Her annointing of Jesus is a reflection of the honor due him as a king, as the Messiah. Yet even more, it is foreshadow of his death. It is in his death, after his disciples have scattered to the four winds, that the women make another appearance. Preparing the body for his burial using spices, linens, and ... perfume.
The disciples get huffy and act superior. It is just before Passover and part of the tradition includes giving to the poor. What a great opportunity to act superior and complain to Jesus that the money should be given to the poor. But Jesus is undeterred and makes the point plain. This is a special time. There are precious few moments left before he is crucified and it is time to celebrate Jesus, honor Jesus and weep for Jesus.
"I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Matthew 26:13)
The rush is always on. There will always be important things to do. We cannot afford to wait until our lives become simpler, easier or less busy to spend time with Jesus. We must go out of our way or we will never, "accidentally" worship him.
the question
What "beautiful thing" will you do for Jesus this week? Let it be something simple, yet extravagant. Through prayer or through reading his word take a few moments to gaze in awe and wonder, to worship God from you heart, and to linger in your time with him.
the prayer
a) Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory beofre he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reighns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
b) Gracious and loving Father, give us hearts like Mary who, regardless of the cost to her fortune or reputation, expressed her love and devotion to your Son that we might always be ready to love you and listen at your feet. Through Jesus name for his sake, Amen.
the psalm
Psalm 36:5-10
posted by The Wheatland Mission @ 10:44 PM
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