Page 60 - Living Light 89

Friday August 8 - Mary DOES understand
A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume... and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3
This ‘woman’ was in fact Mary, the sister of Martha (John 12:1-8); we already know about the depth of her devotion to Jesus from the well-known story in Luke 10:38-42. Here, just before Jesus’ death, and in the midst of everyone else’s failure to recognise the values of the kingdom of God, Mary does the most controversial and extraordinary prophetic act by giving over her most valuable possession for the sake of her love for Jesus.
When we face death our priorities change. When my wonderful grandad died, I was living in Colombia and though living on a tight budget I did not question flying back to the UK to be with my family to grieve together. I loved him dearly and wanted to celebrate his life. Mary loved Jesus dearly and wanted to honour him in her act of worship. Judas and others complained of this ‘waste’, but the truth is that they did not want to give Jesus everything like Mary had done.
The more we have in life, the harder it can be to see Jesus. In our minds, his value can decrease and the value of ‘stuff’ increase. What might also be in your eyeline as you look at Jesus? A phone, a job, fashion, a car, a house? Would you be willing to give it over to Jesus, to honour him and build his kingdom?
Lord Jesus, show me what I value more than you and help me lay it down in worship to you. Amen.
Saturday August 9 - Do YOU understand?
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and... broke it... saying, “Take
it; this is my body.” Mark 14:22
This week, we have seen the reactions of many as they come face to face with Jesus – from utter rejection to total devotion, and a lot of confusion in between. Each of us is unique and will react differently to Jesus, depending on our life experiences and personalities. The remarkable thing is that he also responds uniquely to each of us. There is no situation that he cannot understand or reach. He cares about everything we face and meets us right there.
In this passage about the Last Supper, Jesus uses the very bread his disciples are eating to show them how he will meet them in the place they are at. He explains his sacrifice using familiar items from their everyday life. It is a beautiful illustration of his presence in everything we experience.
Jesus can use bread or any other familiar object to show you how he is present in your everyday life. The question is, how will you respond to him? Will you hold him at arm’s length like some people did? Will you reject him like Judas? Will you worship him like Mary? Or give him everything like Peter learned to do?
Consider how you approach the communion table. How do you feel? Why do you feel that way? Talk to Jesus about it and allow him to reveal truth to you, right where you are now in your life.
Jesus, please show me the truth you need me to understand right now in my life. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY