1. What stood out to you from this chapter?
I suppose the title of this blog sounds like some scandalous romance novel, but I assure you it has nothing to do with romantic love. In fact, the title describes two separate incidents in this chapter - one inspiring and the other just plain funny. The first is the incident of the woman pouring a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus. In a normal setting, this would be seen as excessive and wasteful (which some of the disciples, clarified as Judas in other gospels were quick to point out). But this lavish and "over-the-top" expression of love for Jesus was not wasted at all. In fact, Jesus commended it. It's funny how Jesus pointed out the faith of a Gentile as being greater than any he had seen in all Israel, and how it is this "wasteful" act of a woman that Jesus says will be remembered whenever his story is told. The second part of the title happens when the disciples flee. Mark is a brief gospel and doesn't include a lot of the details that Matthew and Luke do, so it is funny that he takes the time to make note of this one disciple that was not wearing much to begin with and then had to flee away naked. :)
2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?
In the garden, as Jesus is praying, his words reflect an incredible surrender of his life to God's will. He wasn't afraid to ask God to make a different way, but in the end he submitted to God's will and plan, knowing it was the best. In James 4, we receive similar instructions even about making plans for tomorrow. "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"
3. What does this mean for my life?
I often feel like Peter, quick to speak of loyalty and faithfulness (which are true) but prone to temptation when it comes to choosing the right thing. It is so easy to give in to the "little" temptations, the things that don't really hurt anyone: pirating music or movies, speeding, viewing inappropriate movies or websites, crude humor or swearing. It is really easy to deny God in those moments, even after we have just participated in a great worship service or Bible study. For me, it's even more reason to keep my guard up against temptation, and to rest in God's mercy and forgiveness when I do fall.
4. What questions do I have about this chapter?
What role did Judas play in this whole scenario? In some ways it seems like he is almost a "pawn" of God's plan. Since prophesy had to be fulfilled, someone had to betray Jesus. In other ways he seems like he is a pawn of Satan's plan (Luke 22:3 and John 13:27 both tell us that "Satan entered Judas"). It wasn't like Judas was at a seance with devil worshippers inviting him in. But ultimately it is still clear that Judas was the one whose heart was hard and chose to betray Jesus.
Those are my thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you, and KEEP DIGGING IN.
In Christ,
Dan
image from http://www.biblecartoons.co.uk/images/image.php?image=215.jpg&width=525&height=378
One of the things that strikes me most about this passage is how strong the fear of man can be. I see it first in the religious leaders in verse 1. They didn't want to arrest Jesus during the Passover for fear of starting a riot- fear of man. Then Peter, O Peter, who denied Jesus three times for fear of those around him even after seeing all that Jesus could do. It is so much easier to fear man sometimes as they are physical beings right in front of us. But fearing God is way more important, although more difficult to comprehend!
ReplyDeleteIt is so true. Even Jesus told us not to be afraid of men, because the worst they can do is kill us. He said we should, instead, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Great point.
Delete