So much to take in in this chapter. A dark day, but also a great day of hope. Here are just a few observations that stand out for me.
- Jesus is in charge of everything that takes place.
He sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Wherever he enters, tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” - Jesus cared for his disciples, while knowing what was going to take place.
28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
2 Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” - Jesus repurposes the familiar in the law and establishes a new understanding of God’s covenant with the Hebrews (and all mankind). This in fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31.
22 While they were eating, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it. This is my body.” 23 And after taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, that is poured out for many. - Peter is the one whom we see denying Jesus (falling away), but really all of the disciples fall away.
27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away …
31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I must die with you, I will never deny you.” And all of them said the same thing. - Jesus once again stresses staying alert. This time it is for just his disciples, but I take this as good advice in all our circumstances.
34 He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and stay alert.”
What do you want to say about what takes place in Mark 14?
” 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.
4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.”
These verses struck me this time. Sometimes I feel like we too quickly judge how people use their financial resources, and sometimes I feel concerned about others’ perceptions of me in this area. This verse (and others) reassure me that God’s economy doesn’t work the way human economy works. That generosity is always rewarded, that God has enough to care for his children, and that as long as I am obedient I don’t have to worry about anything because it is God’s opinion that counts. One time I was in a room of national partners who receive and distribute Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes. They expressed some frustration that they could do more with the money that goes into preparing and shipping the boxes than simply giving kids more stuff. While they were grateful for the boxes, they felt they could use the financial resources better. Aren’t we all like that sometimes? I know I am! It is an ongoing discipline for me to be grateful for what God has provided and not question why he provides this way and not that way.
I confess to feeling like those in this scene when BCC was supporting Royal Family Kids Camp. It seemed so over the top, consuming lots of resources, for so few kids. I would wonder, “why can’t we get this kind of effort for other needs in our community?” But as you have said, echoing what Jesus said, sometimes extravagance is what is needed, and God’s resources are bountiful.
I get that I may be using this verse out of context; the attitude of the observers struck me as timeless and a good reminder to not chastise others for their obedience.