Mark 14:10-16 – In Remembrance

Read Mark 14:10-16

Jesus’ last supper with his friends. Bittersweet indeed. I titled this “In Remembrance,” but did you notice this telling of that special night did not use those words. I injected flavor from another account. If you have never read the accounts of this momentous occasion in any of the other gospels, Matthew 26, Luke 22, and even 1 Corinthians 11.

This passage is the foundation for what we do in churches all over the world. We celebrate Holy Communion. In the church I grew up in it was a “sacrament,” an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace, in particular. We remember this moment, the covenant come true, in our times of worship.

Different traditions view the bread and wine differently. Again, I grew up believing the bread and wine were Jesus body and blood. This text would totally support that. In Jesus’ own words, “Take it, for this is my body.” and “This is my blood,” Other traditions would say it’s a symbol. I try not to get legalistic with it, but I believe that what Jesus said then is also true for us today, and the important thing is to remember him.

Celebrating Holy Communion has always been special for me. My earliest memories include people filing up to the front of our church and my mom’s “wine breath” after her time at the communion  rail. I  was always intrigued and couldn’t wait for my turn. Our tradition was that preparation and understanding came before taking part. Having an understanding and appreciation for what Jesus did for us makes the celebration all the more special.

Today’s passage helps us to see that what happened to Jesus was for us. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. More recently, we attended a church service here in Mexico where neighborhood children attended Sunday School during the church service, except during communion. It was at this time they were brought in, going first before the congregation. None of them spoke English, despite the service being in English. Tears rolled down my face as I watched these darling children, with such innocence and joy, approaching the altar for their gift from Jesus. Their celebration and remembrance of what Jesus had done for them was inspiring. We should approach the throne of grace with that attitude of gratitude.

Take a moment today for a reality check. On a scale of 1-10, what is your devotion meter saying? Remember what Jesus has done for you – the suffering, the crucifixion, a trip to hell, and finally coming alive again. All for you. What is your response?

Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy for what you have done for me. I thank you for your great love for me. May I not take it for granted. Ever.  Forgive my heart when doubt creeps in. Forgive me for my distractions from you. Thank you for making me the confident, strong and smart woman you have made me. May my words and actions be to your glory and pleasing to you. Continue to move in the hearts of my children to bring them closer to you.  That is my prayer today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 14:1-9 – She Did What?

Read Mark 14:1-9

I wonder what emotions Jesus was feeling inside. He knew what was brewing around him, he has tried to warn his disciples, and yet it’s business as usual. The most amazing miracle of all time is about to take place. It’s easy to think that Jesus was cool as a cucumber, but he was human,  too. There had to be nerves. There had to be fear.

And then there was the woman. The woman Jesus proclaimed as a history maker. What extravagant love and devotion. Much like the widow and the two coins from several readings ago, the woman in today’s reading was devoted and focused. Again Jesus drops a truth bomb using this woman’s actions – she was anointing him for burial. What did his friends think?

How do we respond to this? Do we let our financial situation keep us from being devoted? Do we let the entries on our calendars fill up our lives so that we crowd out our quiet time? I don’t want to be the one to put you on a guilt trip here. I do want to showcase the devotion of this woman. It appears she doesn’t care about the financial loss. It appears she doesn’t care how she is being disciplined. Bold. We need to be bold.

What does having a bold faith look like for you? What does loving Jesus extravagantly look like in your life? Focus on these two questions for as long as you are able.

Let’s pray. May my devotion be so intense that people are inspired to follow my actions. I want to close out all distractions so that I can focus on you more completely. Thank you for the desire you have burning in my heart to be connected to you. Use me and my words to help ignite this fire in others. May my life and example make a  difference.  Thank you for each new experience and challenge. May I make the best of each opportunity and grow my deeply connected to you. Use me, Lord. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Mark 13:1-37 – Watch Out!

Read Mark 13:1-37

This passage is powerful! Jesus is speaking to us about the future. What is the over arching theme here? Be ready.

People for centuries have been trying to predict when Jesus is going to return. Even recently, I’ve seen groups making T-shirts, people selling all their possessions, and many other crazy things. I was a viral movement. What does Jesus tell us here? That even he, the Son of God, doesn’t know the time or date. We shouldn’t be focused or blinded by such thoughts.

Jesus cautions us to be careful. He tells us what to look for. He tells us we must be ready and  persevere through all the trials and testing. What did you think of these words, “[A]nd everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Do you yearn for approval? Do you hold back from sharing your faith to avoid ridicule. I must have lived a pretty sheltered life because I don’t feel like I have been persecuted for my faith. I may have heard snickers, or not been welcome in certain groups because I was a “Bible thumper”, but would I would have really wanted in those groups anyway? At the time I may have thought I was missing out on some cool people. On the other hand maybe thinking I was missing out on an opportunity to shepherd people back into the family of God.

We need to put that all aside. There is only one relationship that truly matters, both here on earth and for eternity. If we are to think of the story of the man on a long trip, we need to be vigilant in getting our work done and be ever watchful for our master’s return. If you are like me, you are wishing for that day, wanting to be ready and making sure all my loved ones are waiting and watching, too.

Let’s pray. Father God, I left my children to you and pray protection mercies on their lives. I pray that you will nudge them each in your own way so that they mourn the loss of a relationship with you. I pray they will recognize this emptiness for what it is. I am thankful that you hold each of us in you arms. May I stand strong as I wait and watch for you. Help me not get caught up in all the apocalyptic talk for I know that we are not to know or be able to know when your time is at hand. Help me in gathering your people. If not my own children, I pray you send other angels to bring their perspective back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 12:35-44 – Give All

Read Mark 12:35-44

Jesus continues to teach and interestingly he poses a question to himself about himself. The people are on the edge of their seats. They have been waiting for the Messiah. So how can Jesus, the Messiah, be both the son of David and the “lord” of David? Think of this – Jesus is both God and man. So as a man, he is the son of David, that is a relative or descendant. But he is also God and therefore lord of David.

I always like when the Old Testament comes alive in the New Testament. We need to be careful to look  for the progression of things. The teachers of the law were so focused on the law that they didn’t see God standing in front of them. Jesus even calls them out and warns the people against them. He says that they flaunt their positions, cheat widows of their property, and then pretend to be pious with long prayers. For these things, they will be punished.

We need to be careful and take heed of this counsel. Are we flaunting our faith? Do we have unclean motives?

Think on this for a moment and then picture the widow giving her offering. Do we give Jesus our all? Do we hold back more than our share? What are we afraid of? What needs to change for us to be like the widow? Now, that’s a challenge.

Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for what you are doing in my life. You are great and worthy of my praise. I acknowledge your hand on the doorknob of my heart and I welcome you in. I ask you to help grow my trust. I want to be like the widow who gives you everything I have. Please heal my brokenness. I want to be unstoppable in my journey to be all you want for me. Give me the courage and confidence I have lost. I want to boldly proclaim that you are my Lord and Savior.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Mark 12:28-34 – What’s Most Important?

Read Mark 12:28-34

Love is the essence of Christian living. Jesus proclaims it himself herein today’s reading. Love God. Love your neighbor. Period.

This is the final of the four questions posed to Jesus in the gospel of Mark. This particular one is also found in Matthew and Luke, suggesting, of course, the significance and importance. These love commandments are fundamental, but Jesus bring them to the top of the list.

Relationships matter. A loving relationship with God and with each other. What if everyone knew this commandment and lived it out? That’s what I think heaven will be like. Unfortunately, our world seems to thrive on hate, power and greed. Why is that? It is so against what God wants for us.

I suppose we need to do our part to bring light into this world and share with as many people God’s truth and love. We can’t make people believe or trust. God can. He can stir their hearts. We are called to plant the seed of hope, water and nourish, but it God’s hand that will bring growth. God’s grace can wash away many stains when we truly seek his cleansing.

What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” These were words of encouragement, but also counsel that he was close but not there yet. His understanding was headed in the right direction, but there was more to it. Understanding and admiration do not make you a Christian. How do we respond to this?

Let’s pray. Lord I love you with every part of my being. When I think of you my heart leaps with joy. Thank you for what you have done for me and continue to do on a daily basis. I thank you, too, for those many things I don’t even know you have put into play on my behalf. Forgive me for my lack of attention and wayward heart in times of stress. It’s in those times that I need you more than ever. Thank you for always drawing me back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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