Tag: Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Monday in Holy Week, 06 April 2020 – Psalm 36;5-10, Isaiah 42:1-9, John 12:1-11, Hebrews 12:1-3 ~ Keep your eyes on Jesus

Monday in Holy Week, 06 April 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God, whose most dear Son suffered pain and was crucified before he was raised to joy and  entered into glory: 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 our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 36” – Exodus Road Band

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate[a] with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1-9(NLT)

The Lord’s Chosen Servant

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out.
He created the earth and everything in it.
He gives breath to everyone,
life to everyone who walks the earth.
And it is he who says,

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.
I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel,
as a symbol of my covenant with them.
And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind.
You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.

“I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.
Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again.
I will tell you the future before it happens.”
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A Reading from the Epistles: Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT)

Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
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Intercession:

Sovereign God, Maker of heaven and earth and everything in it: We come to You in the name of Your Son Jesus for mercy and help –

+ Breathe out Your life-giving Spirit into us, that we may endure the challenges of this pandemic with equanimity and grace….

+ Bring justice to our nation, convict us of our sins, that we may repent and turn to You as one nation under God….

+ Strengthen the weakest among us and make things right for all those who have been wronged…..

+ Keep our eyes on Your Son Jesus, that we might not falter or lose heart during this time of trial….

+ Guide us and guard us in the path of righteousness, that Your people might be a light to the nations….

Sovereign God, to You belong all glory, honor, and praise. We worship You!

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Turn Your Eyes- The Glorious Christ (Sovereign Grace Music)

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Closing: Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning, 24 Oct 2019 – Matthew 26:1-19 ~ The conspiracy unfolds.

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our lives we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 26:1-19 (NLT)

The Plot to Kill Jesus

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.

The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

The Last Supper

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”

“As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.
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Morning Reflection:

The conspiracy unfolds.

At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest,
plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him.
– Matthew 26:3-4 –

In today’s reading, Matthew surrounds Jesus with a wide range of characters – each with their own relationship to Jesus, each with their own agenda. Most of them fade from memory, but two will be remembered forever.

  1. The woman who anointed Jesus – “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
  2. Judas who betrayed Jesus – “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.”

But there are several other interesting characters in the background –

  • Simon whom Jesus’ healed of leprosy welcomed Jesus into his home as a gesture of gratitude.
  • The disciples who chided the woman for wasting her resources instead of attending to the needs of the poor.
  • The religious leaders who rejected and secretly plotted against Jesus, careful not to incense the crowd.
  • The crowd, religious in form, but passive concerning Jesus.
  • The man who opened his home for Jesus and the disciples to celebrate the Passover.

Each one of these characters experienced Jesus differently and responded accordingly. but with very different consequences for them and those around them.

Questions for consideration:

  • With whom do you identify in today’s reading? Please explain.
  • Can you identify some of these characters in the contemporary world in which you live? Please explain.
  • Each of these characters respond to Jesus with varying degrees of enthusiasm, both positive and negative. How would you rate their levels of enthusiasm? Please explain.
  • How would you like to be remembered by future believers? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer – A Covenant Prayer – John Wesley

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which
I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
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“Jesus At The Center” – Darlene Zschech

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday Morning: 25 May 2019 – Mark 14:1-16 ~ on the sacrifice of worship

Saturday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:1-16 (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

The Last Supper

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go to prepare the Passover meal for you?”

So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem with these instructions: “As you go into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” So the two disciples went into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
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Morning Reflection:

on the sacrifice of worship

“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” – Mark 14:9

This story of Jesus’ anointing contrasts with the hatred of the religious leaders, the disciples shock at the woman’s waste, the betrayal of Judas, and the preparations being made for Passover.

The woman’s selfless act of devotion teaches us that Jesus is worthy of giving our all for Him, because He gave his all for us – as remembered in the Lord’s Supper.

“The intent of the Good News is that people should come to Jesus and waste themselves on Him, i.e. to bring each one of us to a true estimate of His worth.” – Watchman Nee

Questions for consideration: Is Jesus worth the waste?

  • Financially: The woman gave expensive perfume worth a years wages. What does it cost you financially to worship Jesus? Do you give sacrificially? Please explain.
  • Socially: The woman risked embarrassment and ostracism in the middle of a dinner party. What does it cost you socially? Do you give away your pride? Please explain.
  • Reputationally: The woman received immediate criticism from everyone except Jesus. What does it cost your reputation, your loss of friends? Are you willing to face public criticism? Please explain.
  • Is there something you need to give up, in order to worship and/or serve Jesus sacrificially?

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the practical needs of persecuted believers:

Heavenly Father, our provider and sustainer: Attend to the needs of your family suffering great hardship and persecution, especially –

+ That they would have access to a Bible…
+ That they would have the courage to remain in their homelands…
+ That those rejected by their family and friends would be welcomed into your family where they are loved and supported emotionally and physically…
+ That socially vulnerable women and those who have lost custody of their children would be protected and their children returned…
+ That those who are destitute would find jobs and safe places to live…

Heavenly Father, you know each one of your children by name: Have mercy on them and attend to their needs according to your perfect will. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Nothing that I can give or do can ever match your sacrifice for me on the cross. Fill me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, love, and devotion – that I may waste myself on you in the sacrifice of worship to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“All To Jesus I Surrender” – Robin Mark

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday of Holy Week: 15 Apr 2019 – Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11 ~ chosen to demonstrate righteousness

Monday of Holy Week

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening Sentence:

O God, King eternal: Your light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning. Drive away from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to obey your Word, and guide our feet into the way of peace. Fill us with your Spirit that we may do your will cheerfully during the day, so that when night comes we may rejoice and give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Reading from the Old Testament – Isaiah 42:1-7 (NLT)

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.

“He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. And it is he who says,

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.”
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Reading from the New Testament -John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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“Psalm 27 (One Thing)” – Shane and Shane

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Closing Prayer:

Almighty God: Your beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion, before entering into the joy of glory. In your mercy, grant that we too may find the way of the cross to be the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 12 Feb 2019 – John 12:1-11 ~ the price of devotion

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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Morning Reflection:

In an act of selfless devotion, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume during a dinner held in his honor. The occasion was Jesus’ return to Bethany prior to entering Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover.

Everyone was there – Mary, Martha, Lazarus, family friends, and the disciples (including Judas). And in the middle of it all, Mary expresses her love, and devotion, and gratitude to Jesus – uniquely, in her own way. And for this she paid a price –

+ Her finances – the perfume was worth a year’s wages. How much would that be in today’s currency? How long would it have taken her to save enough to purchase it? How long would it take for you to save a year’s wages?

+ Her pride – foot washing duties were assigned to servants. But Mary took it a step further by anointing Jesus’ feet, and then wiping his feet with her hair. Mary “let her hair down” without embarrassment or concern for what her guests might think.

+ Her reputation – Judas’ virtue signalling was couched in concern for the poor, when in fact he was the one skimming from the community purse. Disdaining Mary’s devotion to Jesus, he demeaned her reputation to enhance his own.

But Jesus would have none of it:

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial.
You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
– John 12:7-8

Mary’s devotion to Jesus was costly – finances, pride, and reputation. And so it is today.

Questions for consideration:

  • Do you consider yourself devoted to Jesus? Please explain.
  • Can you think of a time when your devotion has been costly? Please explain.
  • How do your finances relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.
  • How does your pride relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.
  • How does your reputation relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus: I confess that I hold myself in reserve in my devotion to you. My finances are held in reserve for emergencies and retirement. My pride inhibits me from worshiping you with abandon in public. My concern for what others will think inhibits me from speaking the truth, even in love, to those who might disagree. Please forgive me and set me free from my reserve and inhibitions that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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“All To Jesus I Surrender” – Robin Mark

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen