when we read the Bible, we've a deep-seated instinct to look at specific characters and compare ourselves to them. We look at them and sweetness, is that this someone I may still try to emulate? Or, Is whatever thing that they do whatever that I should still try to emulate or prevent? I suppose what the biblical writers regularly do is put individuals collectively and exhibit us cases that present an amazing contrast, leading to a challenge to us.
One such scene is all through the week leading as much as the crucifixion. Jesus has come to town and he is in the home of Simon, the leper. there's a leper, whom he has cleansed, at their dinner celebration. additionally across the table is Lazarus—a detail that we are able to effortlessly study appropriate over—but it became just a short time earlier than this celebration that Lazarus changed into in the grave. Mary and Martha are additionally there with Lazarus. (John 12)
Nancy Guthrie Saints and Scoundrels within the Story of Jesus tells the story of 10 americans who are quintessential to the story of Jesus, placing the characters in context of the complete Bible and delving into what they reveal about Christ.
imagine what it become want to sit down around that desk, together with the disciples, with the feel of gratitude and worship for Jesus. Mary goes and receives what become maybe a family heirloom, this precious nard, this precious perfume. She starts off to pour it out on Jesus. obviously, the disciples are looking on, certainly Judas. I are likely to believe he's okay so long as she pours a bit bit on, however she simply maintains pouring. or not it's pouring down his head, all the means down his body, and all the way down to the floor in order that she begins to wipe it together with her hair. Judas acts like he has some type of altruistic factors; however of direction, we be aware of that the rationale he's involved about what he calls "a waste of money" is that he became hoping to pilfer. he's a guy who steals from the bag.
A Stark contrastso you have two very distinctive responses to Jesus in this scene. you've got obtained one grownup who's been close to Jesus for 3 years, and yet come what may, he's nevertheless simplest in quest of to make use of Jesus for his personal development, even to enrich himself. but you then've acquired this impressive contrast with this lady, Mary. Her gratitude and love for Jesus is so overflowing in her existence that she's inclined to divest herself. She wants to pour out the premier she has, to pour out some thing of amazing value. Judas appears at it and he says, "or not it's a waste."
anything else that I supply to him and for him will by no means be wasted.
This scene prompts us to ask ourselves the question, the place do I fit into this scene? Which one looks extra like me? It prompts us to ask, Am I simply in the hunt for to use Jesus? probably it's now not to get wealthy, but maybe for anything else? Or, Does my love for Jesus overflow in such a means that I need to pour out the optimal I need to present? I want to pour it out of affection for Jesus, assured that anything that I provide to him and for him will not ever be wasted.
Nancy Guthrie is the author of Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus.
Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible to women at her church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and at conferences international. She and her husband, David, are the cohosts of the GriefShare video sequence used in additional than 10,000 churches nationwide and additionally host Respite Retreats for couples who've experienced the death of a baby. Guthrie is also the host of help Me train the Bible, a podcast from the Gospel Coalition.
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