… And it’s a day of rest.
Jesus has had three exhausting days manufacturing his parade, cleansing his temple, cursing his tree, healing his neighbors, teaching his friends, saving his sheep, molding his disciples, and confounding his enemies.
Then, consider the energy Jesus will need to endure the next 48 hours.
Therefore, on this Wednesday of Passover Week, Jesus determines to stay put in Bethany. Sweet is the fellowship and rest he enjoys with his friends.
… And it’s a day of worship.
Mark writes:
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. (Mark 14:3)
Some believe this episode takes place earlier in the week, but Mark seems to place it on Wednesday’s calendar. Here one sees the radical, expensive, prophetic, personal, and affectionate worship of Mary. Fantastically sweet is her display of love in the eyes of Jesus. He proclaims her affectionate gift will never be forgotten. Mary’s worship is the stuff of legends.
… And it’s a day of folly.
Mark continues:
There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 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. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 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 14:4-9)
Notice how dull and harmful are Jesus’ disciples. They all get it wrong as they devalue Mary’s expression of love and scold her.
In response, Jesus scolds them.
… And it’s a day of darkness.
Mark also records:
Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Mark 14:10-11)
According to Christian tradition, Wednesday is believed to be the day when Judas negotiates with Israel’s religious mafia to sell-out and take-out Jesus. The disciples were oblivious of the true nature of Judas’ heart. Only Jesus knew the devilish duplicity and darkness dwelling within this man of the cloth.
So, how do I find myself meditating on these scripture passages and this particular day of Holy Week? I find myself wanting to pray.
Lord,
Please show me my darkness. Though I am a professional Christian, and though I look good on the outside, please reveal quickly and thoroughly the various ways I love myself and my desires more than you. I confess my sin; I am more like Judas than I dare imagine.
Please show me my folly. How many times have I judged your servants horribly? How many ways have I poured water on their spiritual sacrifice and stolen their joy? Please show me my foolishness and teach me to look at worship through your eyes. I confess my sin; I am too much like your dull disciples.
Please show me your love. Once again, impress me with your Gospel. Help me freshly realize how you came to earth to pay for my darkness and folly. Tell me again how you have granted me your pristine righteousness and how you wish to enjoy sweet sabbath fellowship with you today. And, while you are at it, please graciously continue molding me in your beautiful image. Oh, how I want to radiate the internal and external holiness of Christ.
Finally, please motivate me to worship. Form in me the affectionate, expensive, and radical heart of Mary. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, strength, and stuff, and may I perform my worship for your eyes only. Lord, if you will do good work in me, I too would like to be legendary in my worship.
Unfathomable Grace 