Skip to main content

Lent Day 42


Scripture Reading

Mark 14:1-9


This is an interesting passage because it clearly points out the role of the messiah that Jesus had come to fulfill. What would it have been like to be present at the meal when this happened? If you have time read John 12:1-8. In John's account of Jesus being anointed at Bethany we learn the name of the woman, Mary. Evidently Mary truly recognized the significance of Jesus as the long-awaited savior of the Jews. It was customary for people to have servants wash the feet of their guests as a sign of welcome because of how nasty their feet would have been from walking everywhere in sandals. Mary goes a step further and anoints him with expensive perfume. Remember in Israel's history a sign of kingship and leadership was having one's head anointed with oil. John says that she poured the perfume on his feet and wiped them with her hair. In both cases it is symbolic of Jesus' death. The custom of the time was to anoint kings with spices, oils, and perfumes to prepare them for burial (partly to cover up the smell of the decomposing body.) By Mary anointing Jesus and serving him she is making a bold statement that this simple carpenter is truly the King of Kings who is worthy of our honor, attention, and praise. 


Prayer: God, you are King of Kings and Lord of Lord and you desire our praise and devotion. Help us to glorify you with our lives so that you will continue to be exalted and draw more people unto you. Amen.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sermon Soundtrack Vol. 3

 I've been listening to my usual eclectic variety of music the past few weeks. I did want to mention two new releases that intrigued me this week.  Penny and Sparrow released a new album, Olly, Olly. Cyd and I saw them in concert in Savannah several years ago opening for a couple of other bands and we really like their sound.  Johnny Swim is another band I've been listening to again. They are a mainstay in my study playlist.  I pulled up the Mumford an Sons live album at Red Rocks too. Pedro the Lion is a band fronted by David Bazan. I like some of David's early solo work and the older catalogue of Pedro the Lion. This new disc seems to be an exploration of reflective music. 

Grieving With Hope

This past week has brought a sense of heaviness in my heart. My oldest child graduated from high school. She has achieved all that I could have possibly dreamed she would up to this point in life. To say I'm proud is an understatement. Completion of high school also means that life in our family is shifting. It won't quite be the same because she will experience a new season of life that will bring fresh experiences and countless life lessons. As I've talked to Cyd the last few days we both agree we feel a sense of sadness while simultaneously finding our hearts filled with hope for what is to come for our graduate.  Truthfully, the heaviness I feel is linked to other factors. For starters, this week marks 11 years since my Dad died from pancreatic cancer. I'm not a big death anniversary kind of person, but reaching a milestone with a child makes you miss a parent even more. The interesting thing about grief is that for most people, not a day goes by that you don't ...

Lent Day 40

Scripture Reading Matthew 21:1-9 Today is Palm Sunday, the day that we prepare for Easter by celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Some churches celebrate Palm Sunday by having children enter the sanctuary waving palm branches as a reminder of this sacred day. Other churches will have people waving palm branches lining the center aisle of the church as someone dressed as Jesus enters the sanctuary. In both instances, what is happening is a visual reminder of the majesty of Jesus Christ who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The reaction of the crowd represents their acknowledgement of Jesus as the long-expected Messiah. The greeting that Jesus received (vs.9) was used in Psalm 118 to greet pilgrims as they entered Jerusalem during the Feast of the Tabernacles. Hosanna essentially means "save," but was probably used here as an exclamation of praise to Jesus. The phrase Son of David describes Jesus' fulfillment that the Messiah would be a descendant ...