March 28, 2023
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Reading along with us in our Lenten readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 18 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Week Jesus Dies
Read Sections 5.21 through 5.24 (pages 155-157)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
An ointment for Jesus’ feet. A premonition of the burial of Jesus as Mary washed his feet. And Judas seems to care about the money that was used to wash Jesus feet as he sells his soul for 30 pieces of silver. Hard to believe all that he saw and never believed. To focus on his own agenda. The upper room. The so called last supper. The best lesson of who Jesus is and who we should be is found in the conversation to take place at this time Humble servants
Day 18 5:21-5:24
Pharisees are still trying to figure out how to get rid of Jesus without causing a riot with the feast only 2 days away.
Jesus was having dinner at Simon the Leper’s and Mary was washing the feet of Jesus with a very expensive perfume while Judas is complaining about how much money she could have sold that perfume for. Jesus knew Judas’ heart and knew that he would betray Him. He explained to Judas she was preparing him for burial, and she will always be remembered for this act of generosity and kindness.
Jesus went on to explain where they would celebrate Passover. He sent Peter and John to prepare the upper room. The Apostles don’t know how significant this sharing of Passover will be for Jesus and for them.
Day 18
5.21-5.24
On lent 2023 Day 18
How easily Satan can lead people astray with the promise of money. Our short sided minds think so much for comfort in this world and forget that there is something so much better. To believe, live humbly in this life, and do what is right in the eyes of God means the promise of eternity in heaven.
Sad that Judas couldn’t see past his greed, that he couldn’t see like Mary that what we do have here on earth we only have because of God and therefore it is only right to give it back to Him in service and deed.
What a stark expression of the evil heart of human kind that someone who hung around Jesus for a few years stole money from the money bag and criticizes Mary’s action on behalf of the poor but he is really thinking of himself. It just goes to show that you cannot gain the life of Jesus by osmosis, it must be received, internalized and welcomed and we must be willing to be changed by it. And rather than being convicted by the interaction and Jesus’ words about Himself and Mary, Judas doubles down and goes to the Jewish leaders and seeks to see how he can profit from the betrayal. And all at a time when Jesus seeks to gather His closest followers around Him and further reveal the plan and the provisions that would be made for them when He would leave. And all that was to happen at this Passover seder that Jesus has orchestrated and sends Peter and John to prepare. What a significant remembrance for the Jews that Jesus would redefine with the expression of the New covenant in His blood.
Day 18 [ 5.21-5.24 ]
Mary will always be remembered for her unselfish act of love and kindness. Judas will always be remembered for his selfish act of greed and betrayal.
I was thinking about Mary and her washing of Jesus’ feet.
There is another account of a woman washing Jesus’ feet with her hair in Luke 7:36-50. That woman anointing Jesus’ feet at the Pharisees house was a “sinner” and used her tears and an alabaster jar of ointment to wash Jesus feet.
In this account, it is Mary the sister of Lazarus (from context, I think this is that Mary, sister of Martha), who washes Jesus feed with expensive nard and her hair.
A prostitute and a somewhat wealthy or financially stable woman both approach Jesus the same way. It emphasized to me our universal need for Jesus and our universal access to Jesus. Whatever we are here on earth, it is our heart and love for Jesus that equalizes our access to Jesus.
Both the prostitute and the Mary that hosted Jesus in her home, fell at Jesus’ feet and felt compelled to cover Jesus’ feet with fine perfume and wash His feet with their hair.