2 Dinners

Mark 14:1-31
Mark 14 is a long chapter so we will divide it into at least 2 days of reading. It is also filled with some of the most important events in the ministry of Jesus.

In the first 31 verses we see Jesus at 2 dinners. The first is at Simon the leper's house. He was probably healed by Jesus and is having this dinner in honor of this. At this dinner a woman does something seemingly inappropriate - uses a very expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. Not only is it expensive, it seems like a very odd thing to do at a dinner. She is simply expressing her love and affection for the Jesus.

I find it odd that out of all the people that ran into Jesus we only read of a few who were willing to worship Him in such a dramatic fashion. I wonder if that would be the case today? Do any of us truly worship Jesus in such an overt fashion? Do I? Unfortunately, I would say it is a rarity in my life...that will change. My favorite verse of this section is verse 6 - she has done a beautiful thing. I want Jesus to say that about my worship.

This act of worship is set against Judas leaving the party to meet with the Pharisees to betray Jesus. Not a beautiful thing.

The second dinner is the Passover Meal where Jesus institutes what we call Communion. It is interesting that after this meal there is talk of betrayal as well. Even Peter will fall prey.

Today, I will take time throughout the day to reflect on ways I can worship Jesus more overtly, not caring what others might think. I hope you will too.

Under the Mercy,
Jason