³ And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. ⁴ There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? ⁵ For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ⁶ But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ⁷ For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. ⁸ She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. ⁹ And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” (Mark 14:3-9, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our sixth and final challenge focuses on attributes of God that we observe during Holy Week.  The attributes displayed by Jesus during Holy Week are evident throughout His entire earthly ministry.  However, there is something about the emotional and spiritual intensity of the days leading up to the cross that brings certain attributes of God into sharp focus. 

God’s attributes can be categorized into two buckets.  There are incommunicable attributes (unattainable), which are unique to God’s divine nature.  Examples are omnipotence, omniscience, and self-existence.  Then there are communicable attributes (attainable), which are divine qualities that humans can achieve to some degree.  Examples are love, mercy, and goodness. 

We can examine Scripture passages about Holy Week to find communicable attributes displayed by Jesus. By reflecting on these attributes, we gain insights into who we have been “born again” to be. 

Challenge #6 – God’s Attributes 

For Monday through Friday of Holy Week please read the assigned passage of Scripture below and document your answers to the following questions:

1. What is a communicable attribute displayed by Jesus that stands out to you?
2. In what areas can you demonstrate this attribute more effectively?
3. What do your answers prompt you to pray about?

As an example of what is expected, here are possible responses based on an examination of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:28-44):

1. The communicable attribute displayed by Jesus that stands out to me is His compassion.  He wept (verse 35) and was deeply moved (verse 38).
2. I can seek to better understand the pain of others.
3. I am thankful for the example set by Jesus and solicit his continued work in me to make me more in-tune with the suffering of those around me.

Assigned Scripture Passages:

• Monday – The Triumphant Entry (Matthew 21:1-11)
  
• Tuesday – Cleansing the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17)
  
• Wednesday – Jesus Anointed at Bethany (Mark 14:3-9)
  
• Thursday – Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-5)
  
• Friday – The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:16-30)

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s guidance as you pursue this challenge.
2. Document your thoughts by using a method you are comfortable with (e.g., writing, typing or a digital voice and/or video message).
3. Set aside specific time in your daily quiet time to perform this challenge.
4. Avoid complacency because of familiarity with the passage of Scripture.
5. Be careful to make the connections between what Jesus does (activity) and who Jesus is (identity).
6. Jesus is the perfect example of integrity, so his activities and identity are always aligned. Consider areas in your life where your activities don’t match your identity in Christ.
7. Think of other passages of Scripture that also exhibit the attribute(s) of Jesus that you have identified.
8. Discuss your responses with others.
9. Preserve your documentation for future reflection.
10. Thank God for making you a “new creation” with the potential to demonstrate His communicable attributes.