40 Days of Discipline

Category Archives: Holy Week

Posts for Holy Week


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40 Days of Discipline – Postscript

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.  5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”  8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”  (Matthew 28:1 – 10, New International Version)

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:16 – 20, New International Version)

Hallelujah, He is Risen!


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40 Days of Disciple: Day 39 – Passion Week Challenge (God’s Attributes)

16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion

So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”  So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

The Death of Jesus

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:16-30, 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.


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40 Days of Disciple: Day 38 – Passion Week Challenge (God’s Attributes)

1Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:1-5, 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.


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40 Days of Disciple: Day 37 – Passion Week Challenge (God’s Attributes)

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.


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40 Days of Disciple: Day 36 – Passion Week Challenge (God’s Attributes)

12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” 17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there. (Matthew 21:12-17, 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.


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40 Days of Disciple: Day 35 – Passion Week Challenge (God’s Attributes)

1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-11, 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.


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 39 – Passion Week

17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.  19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”  22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”  (John 19:17 – 22, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Context:

During Passion Week we are using objects in Scripture to preserve our memory of some of the key lessons about love that Jesus taught His disciples during Passion Week.  So far we have focused on tears, overturned tables, perfume, and a basin of water.   Today, we focus on the cross.   

Reflection:

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross; the emblem of suffering and shame.  And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain (from the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross” penned by George Bennard in 1913).  The cross is clearly one of the most iconic symbols in human history.  Unfortunately, it is sometimes misappropriated by organizations and individuals who do not comprehend the love it represents.  For example, the Ku Klux Klan use a burning cross, and many people wear the cross solely as a fashion statement.

What should the cross remind us of?  We should be reminded of God’s love and justice.  We should be reminded of God’s love because according to Romans 5:8, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We should be reminded of justice because according to 1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Without Jesus in the picture, the cross would have historical significance only as an instrument that was used for executions.  With Jesus in the picture, the significance of the cross is transformed.  Not only does it symbolize God’s love and justice, it also symbolizes what Jesus requires of His disciples.  In Matthew 16:24 Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”  

Response:

As a symbol, the cross is inspiring, humbling and demanding.  When we remember the cross, we remember how much Jesus loves us and how costly His love was.  When we remember the cross, we also remember how much Jesus expects of His disciples.  Good Friday is a great day to express our gratitude for God’s love.  If you have words of gratitude in the form of a prayer, song, or poem that you would like to share, please do so. 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 38 – Passion Week

1It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.  2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him…12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:1 -5 and 12 – 17, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Context:

During Passion Week we are using objects in Scripture to preserve our memory of some of the key lessons about love that Jesus taught His disciples during Passion Week.  So far we have focused on tears, overturned tables, and perfume. Today, we focus on a basin of water.   The passage above from the Gospel of John captures the story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.

Reflection:

The very first verse of the passage lets us know that what is to follow is about love. Usually, when reference is made to this love story about Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, the towel is the symbolic object.  As a symbolic reminder, I think the basin of water is also worthy of consideration.  Jesus was explicit about the reason why He washed the disciples’ feet.  He gave the disciples a model of servant leadership that they were to follow.   The basin of water helps to illustrate this model because it is a reminder that while feet washing can be a messy undertaking, Jesus did it anyway.  Throughout His ministry, Jesus loved when the situation was “messy.”  For example, He was not afraid of lovingly communicating with a Samaritan woman, even though such an act was taboo.  He lovingly defended a woman who was about to be stoned for adultery.  And, Jesus showed love to a tax collector by eating with him at his home even though tax collectors were despised by many. 

We are tempted to love only when it is convenient.  If the situation gets messy it’s time to look for an exit.  I once heard a theologian say that Christians often express their love for ministry until the reality hits home that their ministry is to people with all their flaws.  The basin with water reminds us how Jesus loves and how He has asks us to love.    

Response:

If we are to lead effectively as Christians, we must love even when it is messy.  The “dirty water” of people’s lives should not cause us to stop loving them?  What inspires you to keep loving even in unpleasant circumstances?  I would love to hear your thoughts.


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 37 – Passion Week

 3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.  4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.  6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14:3 – 9, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Context:

During Passion Week we are using objects in Scripture to preserve our memory of some of the key lessons about love that Jesus taught during Passion Week.  So far, we have focused on tears and overturned tables.  Today, we focus on perfume.

Reflection:

As Jesus predicted, the story of the woman with the expensive perfume has been preached worldwide.  There are many lessons to be learned from this encounter in Bethany, but we will limit our focus to a key lesson about love. 

The love displayed by the woman in Simon’s house was noteworthy because it was costly, risky and prophetic.  Her love was costly not only because it was expensive but also because she subjected herself to shame. Her love was risky because it was public and defied convention.  Proof of the risk was the negative response she received before Jesus came to her defense.  Her love was prophetic because it pointed to Jesus’ imminent burial.  No wonder Jesus called the experience “a beautiful thing.” 

What prompted this beautiful act of love, which stood in such stark contrast to the attitude of some attendees at the event?  The woman’s love appears to have come from a deep understanding of who Jesus is and how comprehensively He loves.  Her anticipation of Jesus’ burial highlighted the extremes to which Jesus would go because of His love.  Her actions bring to life 1 John 4 verse 19: “We love because he first loved us.”  If we don’t come to terms with the depth of God’s love for us, we rob ourselves of the reservoir of love we can draw from to love God and others.  The perfume was a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for the deep love Jesus always exhibited.    

Response:

Costly, risky, prophetic love comes from an infinitely deep source. That source is God.  The more we understand the depth of God’s love for us the more capable we are of loving.  This is a great week for reflection on God’s love for us.  There are many songs that have been written about the love of God.  Please share the words from one of your favourites.


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 36 – Passion Week

15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. (Mark 11: 15 – 18, New International Version)

Theme:  The Wisdom of Discipline

Context:

During Passion Week we are using objects in Scripture to preserve our memory of some of the key lessons about love that Jesus taught His disciples during Passion Week.  Yesterday we focused on tears.  Today, we focus on overturned tables.   The passage above from the Gospel of Mark captures the story of Jesus in the temple courts the day after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Reflection:

On the surface, the tears we focused on yesterday and the overturned tables we will focus on today represent contrasting emotions.  Scratch the surface though, and it is evident that both events are acts of love.  They way Jesus treated the people engaged in commerce in the temple courts is certainly dramatic. The overturned tables were exclamation marks punctuating the love Jesus had for His father. Because of this love He could not tolerate the abuse of the house of prayer.  The overturned tables were also a declaration of love for those who were being denied the opportunity for true worship because of the negative influence of money (a problem that is still prevalent today).  This is a potent reminder from Jesus that love isn’t just a feeling.  It encompasses emotions and actions consistent with a deep commitment. The overturned tables are a reminder that we are expected to love as Jesus did.      

Response:

By overturning the tables, Jesus teaches us that love sometimes demands emphatic action.  Of course, not all circumstances require “overturned tables.”  We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to act with love.  How do we guard against complacency/passivity when love demands action?  I would love to hear your thoughts.