ToorderadditionalcopiesofAtJesus’Feet,byDougBatchelor,call1-800-765-6955.

Visitusatwww.reviewandherald.comforinformationonotherReviewandHeraldproducts.

Copyright©2001byMountainMinistryAllrightsreserved

Theauthorassumesfullresponsibilityfortheaccuracyofallfactsandquotationsascitedinthisbook.

Unlessotherwisenoted,allScripturereferencesarefromtheNewKingJamesVersion.Copyright©1979,1980,1982byThomasNelson,Inc.Usedbypermission.Allrightsreserved.

ScripturequotationsmarkedNASBarefromtheNewAmericanStandardBible,©TheLockmanFoundation1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977.

BibletextscreditedtoNRSVarefromtheNewRevisedStandardVersionoftheBible,copyright©1989bytheDivisionofChristianEducationoftheNationalCounciloftheChurchesofChristintheU.S.A.Usedbypermission.

ThisbookwasEditedbyRaymondH.WoolseyCopyeditedbyDelmaMillerCoverphotobyDonSatterleeTypeset:11/12TimesNewRoman

14131211109876

R&HCatalogingServiceBatchelor,Doug,1957-

AtJesus’feet:thegospelaccordingtoMaryMagdalene.

1.JesusChrist.2.Salvation.3.MaryMagdalene.I.Title.

232.954

ISBN13:978-0-8280-1591-2

THANKSTO...

Writingisajealousmistressthatdemandsundividedattention.Everylineinthisbookrepresentsasacrificelaidonthealtaroftimemadebymylovingwife,Karen.Ithankherforhersupport,patience,andencouragementasItriedtocarveoutprecioushourstocompletethiswork.

ThankstoBonnie,abettersecretarythananyonedeserves.

InordertobringthestoryofMaryalive,inthisbookIdaredtoventureintoanewrealmofmarryingbiblicalfactswithplausiblefiction,andthenencapsulateitwithinanexpositorystudy.Becauseformethiswasunchartedterritory,IturnedtoKayRizzoforseasonedexperiencewitheditingandsomecreativeinput.Manythanks!

CONTENTS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER1ATJESUS’FEETINSHAME:ADULTERYINTHETEMPLE

CHAPTER2ATJESUS’FEETINSORROW:“PRAYINGFORTHEDEAD”

CHAPTER3ATJESUS’FEETINSTUDY:MARTHA’SDISTRACTIONS

CHAPTER4ATJESUS’FEETINSACRIFICE:SIMON’SFEAST

CHAPTER5ATJESUS’FEETINSURRENDER:ATTHECROSS

CHAPTER6ATJESUS’FEETINSERVICE:ATTHETOMB

CHAPTER7ATJESUS’FEETINSONG:THERESURRECTION

PREFACEWhyabookaboutMaryMagdalene?WassheagreatintellectlikeSolomon?

Probablynot.AsbeautifulasBathsheba?TheBibleissilentonthispoint.Shewasgenerouswithhermeans,butshedidnotpossessthewealthofZacchaeus.WhenshethoughtJesus’bodyhadbeenevictedfromJoseph’stomb,MaryboldlyofferedtocarryawaytheCarpenter’sremains.Didthatimplyshewasphysicallystrong,afemaleSamson?

Herfamedoesn’tcomefromthecovetedtraitstheworldtypicallyassociateswithgreatness.SowhatmakesMaryspecial?Thiswomandemonstratedthreetraitsworthyofmerit:agreatlove,atenaciousloyalty,andaperfectdevotion.Andallthisspringsfromalifethatwasdirtyandbroken.

MostofuswillneverexperiencethewisdomandrichesofSolomonorthebeautyofBathsheba,butifweletMaryteachus,likeherwecanbecleanandnewagain.Wecangrowbeyondourweaknesses,andwecanpossessthatsametremendousloveanddevotiontoserveJesushereandthroughalleternity.WithhumblestepswetoocanfollowMaryfromabjectshametosongsofgratitudeandpraise.

THESTORYANDTHESTUDYIhavedividedthisbookintotwoparts,thestoryandthestudy.Peoplewill

leancloserandstraintheirearstohearagoodstory,butjumpandrunatthefirstsignofstudy.

IchosethesubjectofMaryMagdalenebecauseherlifeprovidesthebestofbothworlds—amovingstorythatisalsoafascinatingandedifyingstudy.ThewonderfulstoriesofMaryinScriptureprovidetheperfectspiritualspringboardtoprofoundyetsimplestudiesthatwillrootthereaderinthefundamentaltruthsofGod’sWord.

YoumaybetemptedtojustreadthestoriesofMaryandskipoverthestudies.Thatwouldbelikecominghomefromthemarketaftershoppingfordinnertodiscoverthatyouhadleftthebagwiththemaincourseatthecheckoutcounterandbroughthomeonlythedessert.

Iassureyou,mostofthestudysectionsalsocontainsomegoodstories.—DEB

INTRODUCTION

Writingthisbookhasprovidedauniqueandnewchallengeforme.InordertoweavetogetherthevariousstoriesandeventsinwhichMaryappearsandmaintainaconnectedflowintheareasinwhichtheBibleissilent,I’vehadtotugonafewfibersofimaginationandastrandortwoofsanctifiedsupposition.WhereverpossibleIhavefaithfullydonemybesttobuilduponwhatisrevealedinScriptureandinspiredcommentaries.

First,letmesaythatIdonotclaimtobeaprophetorthesonofaprophet;however,inthefive-yearprocessofwritingthismanuscript,morethanonceIhaveprayedthatGodwouldhelpmeseewhathappened2,000yearsagosoIcouldbeaccurateincommunicatingtheevents.TherewereseveraltimeswhenIwasstaringatmycomputerscreenthatIfeltasifIweretransportedbackandshowndifferentaspectsofMary’slife,asifIweretherewatchingherdramaunfold.

IameagerlylookingforwardtothedaywhenImeetthecharactersinthisvolumesothatIcandiscoverifthese“visions”weredivinerevelationoroveractiveimagination.Perhapsabitofboth?UltimatelyIamlongingtomeetJesusface-to-face,whosavedme,asHedidMary,fromthedepthsofsin.

G

CHAPTERONE

ATJESUS’FEETINSHAME:

ADULTERYINTHETEMPLE!

TheStory

rabher!”anangryvoiceshouted,shatteringtheearly-morningsilence.Theheavywoodendooropenedandslammedagainstthewallwithathud,making

adeeperholeinthealready-damagedplaster.Startledbythissuddeninvasion,Mary’sheartfroze.Itappearedthattheday

she’dfearedmosthadcome.“Adulterer!Prostitute!”theinvadersshouted.Contemptdrippedfromtheir

leeringfaces,likesalivafromthemouthsofrabiddogs.TheTemplerabbisandpriestspouredintohersmall,privateplaceofbusiness,intentonthekill.

Hercustomerslippedfrombeneathhersheets,castherasheepishshrug,anddrewonhisclothing,actingnotatallsurprisedbytheintrusion.

Thisisatrap!shethoughtasshegazedatthemenstandingagainstthewallintheshadows,theirembarrassedfacesshroudedwiththelastremnantsofnight.Severalwereherformerclients,butsheknewthattoidentifythemnowwouldonlyintensifyherimpendingpunishment.

Fromtimetotime,inordertomaintainasemblanceofpietyandtoappeasethedevoutamongthe

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people,thescribes,lawyers,andpriestswouldmakeanexampleofoneoftheout-of-townprostitutesbyparadingherthroughthestreetsforthegawkingbystanderstocurseandspiton.Then,inamockeryofpiouszeal,theywouldviolentlyexpeltheirvictimfromtheholycitythroughtheDungGateinadisplayofartificialindignation.

IshouldhavestayedinMagdala,Marythoughtassheclutchedtheflimsybedsheet.Gatheringthebeddingabouthertohidehernakedness,shestruggledtoherfeet.

“Seizeher!Don’tlethergetaway,”oneofthepriestssnarledwhileanotherlungedforher.Athirdperson,aTempleguard,grabbedherbyherupperarm,

hisnailsdiggingintohertenderflesh.Marytriedtoresist,buttheman’sgripheldfast.Theterrifiedwomanbegan

totrembleuncontrollably.Shehadbeensuspiciouswhenthisnewcustomerappearedatthedoorofherroomsoearlyinthemorning.They’regoingtomakeanexampleofme.

“Gethersomeclothes.”Oneofthelawyerssnatchedherfromtheguard’sclutches.

“Humph!Isaytakeherassheis,”ascribedefended.“Itwillbemoreconvincing.”

“No,HeisintheTemple,andwecan’ttakehertotheTemplelikethat!”anolderpriestaddedwithfinalauthorityasheranhiseyesoverherquiveringbody.

Oneofthemenleaningagainstthewallhandedthepriestacrumpledanddirtyrobethathadbeendrapedoverasmallstool.

“Putthison.Hideyourshame!”thepriestsnapped,tossingthesoiledgarmentatthequakingwoman.Gratefulforeventhecrudecovering,Marysnatchedtherobefromtheman’soutstretchedhandandwrappeditaboutherself.Thoughaprostitute,she

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stillhadasenseofmodesty.Underthegazeofthelustingeyesofheraccusersshecoveredhernakedbody.Herfingerstrembledasshetiedthebeltofthedirty,oversizedrobeaboutherwaist.

Uponcommandoftheolderpriest,thetwoTempleguardsseizedherarmsandpulledhertowardthedoor.Therabbissteppedback,allowingtheguardsandthewomantopass.Sheexchangedaknowingglancewithoneoftherabbis.Heloweredhiseyesinshame.Reveredleadersofhisstaturewouldnevertouchawomanwithherreputation—inpublic,thatis.

Theguardsdraggedherthroughthestreets.Theirmuscularfingersbruisedheroliveskin.Herlong,splendidhair,herprideandglory,felltangledoverherface.Shestruggledtomaintainherfootingovertherocksalongtheroadway.Wherearetheytakingme?shewondered.UpaheadloomedtheholyTemple.TheTemple?Herpanicgrew.WhytheTemple?

Shecouldheartheshoutsandcursesfromspectatorsastheypassed.Curioushousewivesandmerchantsbegantofallinbehindthisstrangeprocession.

OGod,Maryprayeddesperately,pleasedon’tletMarthaandLazarusseemeasIreallyam.Asick,hopelesslaughburstthroughhersobs.HowcanIexpectthepureHolyOneofIsraeltoheartheprayerofafilthysinnersuchasI?

I’vegonesofar,toofarforGodevertoforgiveorhearmyprayers.AmovementofftothesideofthenarrowstreetcausedMary’sbreathto

catchinherthroat.Priestswerepickingupsomeofthelargestonesthatwereintermittentlyscatteredinfrontofthebuildings,usedtoholdopentheshopdoors.

“Theyaregoingtostoneme!”shegasped.Asmallpackofagitateddogsfollowedtheprocessionupthestreet,yappingattheunusualearly-morning

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excitement.Marywailed.“They’regoingtostonemetodeath,andthenthosescavengingdogswilleatmeastheydidJezebel!”

She’dheardthestorymanytimes,growingupinafaithfulJewishhome.Butshe’dneverimaginedherfatewouldbethesameasthatofAhab’swickedqueen.Theguardholdingherrightarmgaveherabrieflookofsympathy,thenredirectedhisattentiontoplowingthroughthegrowingseaofnosyspectators.Onherleftshesawashopkeeperpickuparock.Afishsalesmanonherrightdidthesame.Mary’smindraced.Hertremblingincreased.Herbreathcameinshortgasps.Spotsdancedbeforehereyes;shefeltasifshewereinatunnelandthoughtshemightfaint.

“WhyaretheytakingmetotheTemple?”Maryaskedtheguardwhoheldherrightarm,hereyesfilledwithperplexityandpain.“Whydon’ttheystonemeoutsidethegate?”

Theguardwhisperedoutofthesideofhismouthintotheprettyyoungwoman’sear:“Youmaystillhaveachance.IftheystonetheTeacher,theywillprobablyletyougo.He’stheonetheywant.”

TheTeacher!ShehadheardabouttheTeacherwhowentaboutthecountryhealingpeopleandblessingthem.EveryonehadheardoftheTeacher.Soonshesaw,abovethecrowdofcuriousspectators,feastworshipers,andswirlingdust,thewhitewallsofGod’ssanctuary,gleaminggoldenintheearly-morningsunlight.

Acoolbreezeriffledherlongbrownhair.Maryshivered.Thewomanwasn’tsurewhichfrightenedhermore,thethoughtshemightsoonbestonedtodeathforadulteryorthatshewasbeingparadedintothehouseofGodhalf-nakedandguiltyofascandalouscrime.

Withbruteforcethepriestsandguardspressed

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throughthelast100feetleadingintothecourtyard,whereanassemblyofangrymoneychangersandsacrificemerchantsclusteredattheentrancetotheTemple.That’sstrange,Marythought.Theyusuallybringtheiranimalsandmoneytablesintothecourtyard.

SeveralagitatedsacrificesalesmenaccostedthepriestswhowereaccompanyingMary.“Hemadeawhipandchasedusout,”onesnarled.“Heknockedovermymoneytable!”

“WhogavethisGalileansuchauthority?”askedanother,shakinghisfistintherabbi’sface.“ThisManmustbestopped!”

WithreneweddeterminationthepriestsstoopedtheirnecksandheadedintotheTemple.Caughtupinthedevelopingdrama,MaryhadalmostforgottenherpartuntilanangryyoungwomanpulledasideherveilandscreechedinMary’sface.“Harlot!”thewomanbarked.Then,likeacamel,shehurledawell-aimedmissileofsalivainMary’sdirection,strikingherrobe.Marylookeddownattheblotchonheralreadysoiledgarmentandcringed.She’dneverfeltsodirty.

Insidethesacredcourtyardtheatmospheredrasticallychanged.Thefamiliarbleatingofthegoatsandsheep,thecooingofthequail,andallthebarnyardsmellsthataworshiperusuallyencountereduponenteringtheTemplecourtyardweremissing.Insteadtherewasasweetairofpeaceandsilentawe.Withoutwarning,theguardsslowedtheirpace,thenstopped.Theyloosenedtheirirongriponherupperarms.Sherubbedherbruisedskin.

Thepriestsleadingtheprocessionhadhaltedaswell.Inmuffledtonestheydiscussedthesurprisingturnofevents,thenstraightenedtoregaintheirarrogant,piouscomposure.“There!ThereHeis,”oneof

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themwhispered.HepointedtoalargecrowdgatheredaroundSomeonesittingontheTemplesteps.

Thepriestspausedtoshakethedustfromthebottomoftheirrobesandfoldedtheirhandstogetherwithinthebluetasseledsleevesoftheirfinewhitegarmentstoassumearespectablereligiousdemeanor.Then,exchangingasmugandsinisternodateachother,theystrodeacrossthemarblehalltotheclusterofworshipersassembledonthesteps.TheTempleguards,lesshostiletowardthewomanintheircharge,followed.

Asthepriestlyprocessionmovedtowardtheheartofthecrowd,theworshiperspartedforthemtopass,untiltheystoodbeforetheOnewhowasobviouslythecenterofthegathering.

Marystaredinawe.AlthoughshehadheardofHim—everyonehad—shehadneverseenamanlikethisbefore.Hisfeatureswereangular,rugged,obviouslynotastrangertohardworkoroutdoorliving.YetinHiscountenanceshesawagentleness,anexpressionofinnocencemixedwithwisdomanddignity.Hiswholeframehadaperfectsymmetryandbalancethatboreacombinationofnobilityandcompassion.Maryhadneverbeforeseensuchmajestyinanyman,andMaryhadknownmanymen.

Forsomestrangereasonshecouldn’tidentify,MaryfeltasenseofpeaceandsafetyinHispresence.Surroundedbyawallofonlookersmakinganescapeimpossible,theguardsreleasedtheirgriponMary,andshecollapsed,trembling,atJesus’feet.

Maryclosedhereyesandfoldedherarmsoverherhead,unabletocontinuegazinguponthisholyMan,wishingshecouldmakethisnightmaredisappear.Abovethedinofshoutsandmocking,sheheardheraccuserspresentbeforeJesustheirlethalcharge

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againsther.“Teacher,thiswomanwascaughtinadultery,intheveryact.NowMoses,inthelaw,commandedusthatsuchshouldbestoned.ButwhatdoYousay?”(John8:4,5).

TherealityofherhopelessandmortifyingsituationcrushedMary.Theterrifyingarrayofemotionscausedhertoloseconsciousnessbriefly.Crumpledonthecoldmarblepavementasshewas,nooneevenknewshefainted—nooneexceptJesus,who’dmissednothingabouttheyoungwoman.Longbeforeshe’denteredthecourtyard,longbeforeshe’dtakenthefirststrangertoherbed,longbeforeshe’dtakenthefirststepthatwouldleadtohermortification,Hehadanticipatedthisveryinstantintime.

AfterafewmomentsMaryregainedconsciousness.Thecourtyardatmospherehadchanged.Itwasstrangelyquiet.ShepeekedoutfromunderherdisheveledhairtoseeJesuscalmlytracingwordsinthedustoftheTemplefloor.Atfirstshecouldn’tmakeoutthewords.ShewatchedasHestoodandsaid,“Hewhoiswithoutsinamongyou,lethimthrowastoneatherfirst”(verse7).

Shecringed,expectingahailofstonestodescenduponher.Insteadsheheardathudandsomeonewalkingaway.

Openinghereyes,shewatchedastheTeacherstoopeddownoncemoreandcontinuedwriting.WhatwasHewriting?Shelistenedtothewhispersofthediminishingcrowd.HewasenumeratingthesinsoftheTempleofficialsforalltosee.

Afterwhatseemedlikeaneternity,thegentlehandofJesustouchedhershoulder.Shebrushedherhairfromherfaceandraisedhereyes.MarysawJesuslookingbackatherwithinfinitecompassion.OnHisfacewasaslightlyquizzicalsmile,asifHewerewondering

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whyshewouldbegrovelinginsuchanundignifiedmannerinthisholyplace.Standingslowly,shegazedaboutandsawthatthescribesandPhariseesweregone.ThehypocriteswhohadentrappedherhadfledtheTemple.ThenJesusaddressedherwithatermofrespect,“Madam,whereareyouraccusers?Hasnoonecondemnedyou?”(seeverse10).

Marylookedaroundbewilderedandsaid,“Noone,Lord”(verse11).AndJesussaidtoher,“NeitherdoIcondemnyou;goandsinnomore”

(verse11).Marythoughtthiswastoogoodtobetrue.“Goanddon’tdoitagain”?I’m

anadulterer!AndHisonlyrebukeis“Goandsinnomore”?Coulditbetruethatshewasfreetogo?She’dbeenreprieved,rescuedfrom

herjustpunishment.Herinitialinstinctwastofleetheplaceasquicklyaspossible,butshefeltconstrainedbyanoverwhelminggratitudetothankheradvocate.WillinglyMarythrewherselfattheMaster’sfeetandpouredoutherheartfeltappreciationmingledwithtears.Asshedid,shelookedatthegroundandsawtheword“adulterer”staringbackather.Herfaceflamedatthepolished,brightletters,avivid,starkreliefagainstthedustonthemarblefloor.

BeforeshecouldseekanswersinthefaceofthegentleTeacher,astrongmorningbreezecamethroughtheTemplecourt,erasingtheentirecatalogofsinsetchedinthedust.AtthatmomentMaryfeltanenormousburdenofguiltliftfromhersoul.

TheStudy

JOHN8:2-11

“NowearlyinthemorningHecameagaininto

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thetemple,andallthepeoplecametoHim;andHesatdownandtaughtthem.ThenthescribesandPhariseesbroughttoHimawomancaughtinadultery.Andwhentheyhadsetherinthemidst,theysaidtoHim,‘Teacher,thiswomanwascaughtinadultery,intheveryact.NowMoses,inthelaw,commandedusthat

suchshouldbestoned.ButwhatdoYousay?’“Thistheysaid,testingHim,thattheymighthavesomethingofwhichto

accuseHim.ButJesusstoopeddownandwroteonthegroundwithHisfinger,asthoughHedidnothear.SowhentheycontinuedaskingHim,HeraisedHimselfupandsaidtothem,‘Hewhoiswithoutsinamongyou,lethimthrowastoneatherfirst.’

“AndagainHestoopeddownandwroteontheground.Thenthosewhoheardit,beingconvictedbytheirconscience,wentoutonebyone,beginningwiththeoldesteventothelast.AndJesuswasleftalone,andthewomanstandinginthemidst.WhenJesushadraisedHimselfupandsawnoonebutthewoman,Hesaidtoher,‘Woman,wherearethoseaccusersofyours?Hasnoonecondemnedyou?’Shesaid,‘Noone,Lord.’AndJesussaidtoher,‘NeitherdoIcondemnyou;goandsinnomore.’

WHOWASMARY?Whowasthiswomancaughtinadultery?TheBibleneveridentifiesherby

name,butIbelievethatthiswasMaryMagdaleneandthatthisstory,foundonlyintheGospelofJohn,wasJesus’firstencounterwithher.Heresheissimplyreferredtoas“awoman.”ButinotherplacesintheGospelstoriesMaryisalsocalled“awoman”(Luke7:37).Perhapsthisisbecause,afterthisexperience,Marybecameaverydevoteddisciple,

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andJohn,recognizingthistobeanextremelyembarrassingsituation,chosetotellherstoryinamoreanonymousformattoprotectherreputation.

ForthefollowingreasonsI,alongwithmanyNewTestamentscholars,believethatMaryMagdaleneandtheMaryofBethanymentionedintheGospelsarethesameMary.Hereareafewreasons:

1.Neitherwasmarried.2.Bothhadbadreputations.3.Bothhadmoney.4.Bothhadthesamename.5.BothwerewithJesus,buttheirnamesarenevermentionedtogether.Textsthathelpverifythisviewinclude:1.“NowaftertheSabbath,asthefirstdayoftheweekbegantodawn,Mary

MagdaleneandtheotherMarycametoseethetomb”(Matt.28:1).The“other

Mary”isunderstoodtobethemotherofJamesandJoses,andthewifeofClopas.

2.“Isthisnotthecarpenter,theSonofMary,andbrotherofJames,Joses,Judas,andSimon?AndarenotHissistersherewithus?”(Mark6:3).

3.“AmongwhomwereMaryMagdalene,MarythemotherofJamesandJoses,andthemotherofZebedee’ssons”(Matt.27:56).

4.“Therewerealsowomenlookingonfromafar,amongwhomwereMaryMagdalene,MarythemotherofJamestheLessandofJoses,andSalome”(Mark15:40).

ThenameMaryistheGreekequivalentoftheHebrewMiriam,meaning“bitter.”AndinourfirstintroductiontoMary,wefindherinbittershame.Buthereisthebiggerquestion:HowdidthenameMaryMagdalenecometotakeonsuchaconnotationofimmorality?

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Howdoesawomangettotheplacewhereshewillauctionherselfnightlytothehighestbidder?Adesperateneedforfundscandriveamothertoprostitutioninordertoprovideforherchildren,butinmostcases,thecauseissomethingdeeper.

LOOKINGFORLOVESeveralyearsagoIhadajobinPalmSprings,California,playingtheguitar

andfluteinanafter-hourshippierestaurantcalledThePeachandFrog.Thejobdidn’tlastverylongbecausethemanagercouldseeIwasnotaverygoodmusicianandwasanevenpoorervocalist.However,mostofthepatronscameinhalfdrunkaftertheotherbarsintownhadclosed,andtheythoughtIsoundedjustfine.

Onenight(orperhapsIshouldsayearlymorning)duringmyshortcareerasafolksingerIgotoffworkabout3:00a.m.andbegandrivingmyVolkswagonupthedesertedstreettomyapartment.OnthemaindraginPalmSpringsInoticedamanabout55andhis20-year-olddaughtersittingatabusstop.

Theymustbetourists,Ithought,anddon’tknowthatthebusesstoprunningaftermidnight.IwasanewChristianandhadmuchtolearn.WantingtobeagoodSamaritan,Ipulledoverandtoldthemthebusesweren’trunningatthishour.

Theinebriatedmangazedatmethroughblurredeyesandslurred,“Wecalled

acabanhourago,anditnevercame.”Ihadnodoubtthathehadbeendrinkingmorethanalittle.

“Well,howfarareyougoing?”Iasked.“Tothehoteltwomilesdowntowardthesouthendoftown,”hesaidwitha

hopefulnoteinhisvoice.“OK,hopin,andI’lltakeyouthere.”Boththemanandthegirlchosetosqueezeinto

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thebackofmyVWBugratherthanonesittinginthemorespaciousfrontseat.AsIdrovetheshortdistancetothehotelIoccasionallyglancedintothe

rearviewmirroratmytwopassengersandsurmisedthatthiswasnotafather-daughterrelationshipafterall.

WhenIeasedmycartoastopinfrontofthehotel,theoldermankissedtheyoungwomanfarewell,struggledoutofmyundersizedbackseat,andstumbledaway,calling“Thanks”overhisshoulder.Iwasn’tsurewhomhewasthanking.

Isatthereforamomentinconfusedawkwardsilence,thenregainedenoughpresencetoaskmyremainingpassenger,“Andwhereareyougoing?”

“Iliveinthenorthendoftown,”sherespondedsheepishly.CalmlyIspunmyVWaroundandheadedbackinthedirectionfromwhichI

hadjustcome.AgainIglancedintherearviewmirrorandcouldseefromthestreetlightsoccasionallyilluminatingheryoungfacethatsheworeanempty,hollow,farawayexpression.Shelookedlikeexhibitnumber1forunhappiness!

Iwantedtohelp.IhadrecentlybeenintroducedtoJesusthroughtheScripturesandwaseagertotelleveryoneaboutthepeacethatIhadfoundwhenIaskedHimtotakecontrolofmymessed-uplife.

“Wouldyouliketostopandgetacupofcoffee?”Iasked,tryingtosoundnonchalantandfriendly.

“Sure,whynot?”shesaid,lookingbackatmeinthemirror,hereyessizingmeupforthefirsttime.

IntimeIlearnedthatthisisnotthebestmethodforwitnessing.ButIwasayoung,impulsive,babyChristian.Ididn’tknowanybetteratthetime,andIamsurethatmylovingFatherwinkedatmyignorance(Acts17:30).TodayIwouldadviseyoungmento

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avoidpotentialproblemsbynotgivingBiblestudiestoloneyoungwomen,especiallyat3:30inthemorning.

Ipulledintoanall-nightcoffeeshop.Wehadnotroublefindingaseatatthathourofthemorning.AfterafewminutesofsmalltalkIlearnedhername,Marlene.AndIasked,“So...youahooker?”I’vealwaysbeenalittleabrupt.

Sheseemedonlyslightlysurprisedatmyquestionandrespondedwithanodandawilysmilethatseemedtosay,“Openforbusiness.”

WhenIrealizedmyintentionshadbeenmisunderstood,Iwasstartledandmorethanalittleembarrassed.Iquicklyasked,“Areyouhappy?”

Nowitwasherturntobesurprised.Herwholedemeanorchanged.Itwasasthoughmyquestionhadbroughtherbacktotherealityofhermiserableconditionandthetremendousguiltandshameweighingonhersoul.

Whenshedidn’treply,ItoldherhowmessedupandemptymylifehadbeenuntilImettheLord.Inturn,Marlenerelatedhowshehadrunawayfromalovelesshomeandnowwaslivingwithsomeruthlesspimpwhobeatheronedayandboughtherlittletrinketsthenext,spendingallthemoneyshebroughthomeforhimself.Tearswelledupinhereyes,thenspilleddownhercheeks,forminglittlecanyonsinherthickmascara.Marlenewas17yearsold.

Wetalkedforaboutanhour.Igavehersuggestionsonhowshecouldgetstartedinanewlife.WhenIthendroveherhomeIhadprayerwithher.

Idon’tremembermostofourconversationthatnight,butonethingIwillneverforgetisherplea,“Ijustwantsomeonetoloveme!”

Iwonderhowmanywomenandmenaroundtheworldareintroublebecauseofthesamemisguided

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attemptstofillthevacuumintheirhearts,notwithGod’slove,butwithsomecheapsubstitute.Asthecountrysonggoes,they’re“lookingforloveinallthewrongplaces.”

ADDICTEDTOGODIhavearadicaltheorythatGodmadeallhumanstobeaddicts.That’sright,

everyoneofusisanaddict,andGoddesignedusthatway!Thatis,GodwiredustobeaddictedtoHim.AndwhenpeoplerejectHim,theystruggleinvaintofillthatcavernousblackholewithsomeotherobsession.

Somebecomeworkaholics;somebecomeaddictedtofoodandsuffer

bulimiaorobesity.Otherschoosealcohol,drugs,orcigarettesastheirfavoriteaddiction.Forsome,it’ssexormusic;stillothers,fashionandoutwardappearances.Theybecomeconsumedwithmaterialismandvanity.Andtherearethosewhobecomeaddictedtootherpeopleintwistedcodependentrelationships.AllthisisdoneinamisguidedattempttofillavoiddesignedforGod.

HumanbeingswerecreatedtobefilledwithGod’sSpirit,andwhenGodisnotthecenteroftheirlivestheywilldesperatelyseektofillthatvacuumwithsomethingelse.GoddesignedustobeaddictedinlovetoHim.ItisonlyinHimthatwewillfindjoyandsatisfaction.

BACKTOTHESTORYLet’stakeacloserlookatwhatwashappeningwithMaryintheTemplethat

day.TheJewishleaderswantedtodestroyJesusandwerewillingtoembarrassorevenexecuteamisguidedyoungwomaninordertoaccomplishtheirmeans.Todaywewouldcallthisentrapment.

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Theearlyhourofthiseventsuggestsitwasasetup,andobviously“ittakestwototango.”Whathappenedtothemaninvolved?Ifitwasasetup,themanverywellmayhavejoinedthecrowd,holdingabagofrocks,readytostoneheratamoment’snotice.

Thatisjustlikethedevil.Heenticesustosin,thenstandsbytoaccuseandcondemn.Thefatheroflieswilltellyoutodosomethingwrongandthenturnyouinforlisteningtohim.

NoneofthiscameasasurpriseforthedivineTeacher.InonebriefglanceJesustookinthewholescene.Hereadtheproud,connivingmotivesoftheleaders.AndHerecognizedthebrokenheartedhumiliationofthetremblingandweepingwomanatHisfeet.

InHiswisdomandlove,JesuswouldnotincreasehershamebydirectingHisgazetowardher.TheOnewhowillsomedayjudgetheworldcouldhaveburnedhertosmolderingasheswithaglance,butHecamenottocondemn,buttosave(John3:17).

ThescribesandPhariseespressedtheircase:“‘NowMoses,inthelaw,commandedusthatsuchshouldbestoned.ButwhatdoYousay?’Thistheysaid,testingHim,thattheymighthavesomethingofwhichtoaccuseHim.ButJesusstoopeddownandwroteonthegroundwithHisfinger,asthoughHedidnothear”(John8:5,6).

Thesepompousreligiousleadersbelievedtheirsinisterplottobeflawless.IfJesusagreedwiththeLawofMoses,theyplannedtoimmediatelydragMaryoutofthecityandstonehertodeath.TheywouldthendashtotheRomansandreportthatJesushadassumedanauthorityreservedonlyfortheRomangovernment,thepowertopronouncethedeathpenalty.(ThiswaswhytheywouldlaterbringJesustoPilate,inordertosecuretheexecutionordertocrucifyHim.)

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Ontheotherhand,ifJesussaid“Lethergo,”Hewouldbewalkingintoyetanotherpitofvipers.ThescribesandPhariseesknewthat,sincetheRomanshadoccupiedPalestineandforcedtheirpagancultureonIsrael,thepeoplehaddevelopedazealous,jealousdevotionforMosesandtheLaw.Thereligiousleadersplannedtofeignindignationandinciteariotamongthepeople.TheywouldstoneJesusasbeinganti-Moses.(AfewyearslatertheywouldtrythesamethingwiththeapostlePaul,asnotedinActs21:28.)EitherwayJesusresponded,theyexpectedtohavethemselvesastoningthatmorning.

Jesusdidn’tgivethesehypocritesaglanceofrecognition.InsteadHestoopeddownandwrotewithHisfingerinthedustontheTemplefloor.HewouldencourageMaryandhumblethescribesandPharisees.

“Youwillsavethehumblepeople;butYoureyesareonthehaughty,thatYoumaybringthemdown”(2Sam.22:28).

ThescribesandPhariseeswereoutragedthatJesusdaredtochallenge,ignore,andevenassumetheirauthority.AfewhoursearlierHehadchasedthemoneychangersoutoftheTemple;themerchantsstillcoweredatthegate,fearingtheauthorityofJesusandsimmeringovertheirundignifiedretreat.

Yes,thereligiousleaderswereconfidentthattheirtrapwasfoolproof,butitwasessentialthatHerespondonewayortheother.Sotheyrepeatedtheirquestionandpressedforareply.TheyneveranticipatedtheanswerJesusgavethem.

JUDGMENT“SowhentheycontinuedaskingHim,HeraisedHimselfupandsaidto

them,‘Hewhoiswithoutsinamongyou,lethimthrowastoneatherfirst.’And

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againHestoopeddownandwroteontheground”(John8:7,8).

Whentheyheardthis,theirmouthsfellopen.Theyturnedtooneanother,wonderinghowtocombatthisunexpectedresponse.Thegrowingcrowdofspectatorsandworshipersturnedtheirpenetratinggazesontothereligiousleaders.WouldanyofthesecorruptTempleofficialsdaretothrowthefirststoneandtherebyclaimtobesinless?EventheOldTestamentscripturesstatedthatallmenhadsinned.

“Forthereisnoonewhodoesnotsin”(1Kings8:46).“Allwelikesheephavegoneastray;wehaveturned,everyone,tohisown

way”(Isa.53:6).“Thereisnonewhodoesgood,no,notone”(Ps.14:3).WhiletheyfranticallysoughtanappropriaterebuttaltothisMan’spiercing

invitation,theylookeddownandnoticed,forthefirsttime,whatJesuswaswritinginthedustonthemarblepavement.

ThreetimesintheBibleitisrecordedthatGodwrotesomething:1.HewrotetheTenCommandmentsinstonewithHisfinger.2.HewrotethejudgmentofBabylonwithHisfingeronthewallsofher

banquethall.3.AndHewroteoutthesinsofthehypocriteswithHisfinger,inthedustof

theTemplefloor.Attimeswehaveallplayedthepartofhypocrites.Butgoodnews!Although

JesuscarvedthelawineternalstoneandetchedBabylon’scurseoncedarwalls,Hewritesoursinsindust—dustthatcanvanish,erasedbythebreathofHisloveandforgiveness!

There,beforetheeyesoftheproudandthehaughty,inperfectHebrewlettering,Jesusrevealed

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theirsins.“Pride,greed,lying,evilthoughts,covetousness.”TerrifyingfearseizedtheirheartsastheysuddenlyrealizedtheywereinthepresenceofOnewhocouldreadtheirwholelivesataglance.ThemenwhooutwardlyclaimedtobeGod’smenbutinwardlymadedealswiththedevilnowsensedtheywerestandingbeforetheOnewhowouldonedayjudgetheworld:“TheLordJesusChrist,whowilljudgethelivingandthedeadatHisappearingandHiskingdom”(2Tim.4:1).

Thetableshadturned.Insteadoftheprostitutebeingontrialforhersins,theywereontrialandfoundguilty.Theblooddrainedfromtheirfaces.Somebegantohyperventilate.Somehidtheireyesinshame,sensingthattheirfalse

cloakofself-righteousnesshadbeentornaway,exposingtheirnakedhypocrisytoall.

Someinstinctivelyturnedtotheireldersforguidance.Theshockedelderswerealsospeechless.Theyhadthelongestrecordofsins.InhumiliationtheycoveredtheirhaughtyheadsandfledfromthepresenceofJesusandfromthesacredTemplecourts.

ThebookofRevelationtellsusthatthisscenewillberepeatedwhenJesusreturnsfromheavenforthefaithful.ThewickedandthehaughtywillfleefromHispresenceandsay“tothemountainsandrocks,‘FallonusandhideusfromthefaceofHimwhositsonthethroneandfromthewrathoftheLamb!’”(Rev.6:16).

“Thenthosewhoheardit,beingconvictedbytheirconscience,wentoutonebyone,beginningwiththeoldesteventothelast”(John8:9).

Likecockroachesscurryingfordarkcornerswhenthelightscomeon,Mary’saccusersfledfromtheMaster’sholypresence.TheBibletellsusthat

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thereisanaspectofjudgmentthattakesplacejustbeforeJesuscomesback,becausewhenHereturnsHewilldishoutlifeanddeathrewards:“Andbehold,Iamcomingquickly,andMyrewardiswithMe,togivetoeveryoneaccordingtohiswork”(Rev.22:12).

So,obviously,someaspectofjudgmenttakesplacebeforeJesuscomes.TheapostlePetertellsusthefocusofthisjudgmentonprofessedbelievers.Thosewhosay“Lord,Lord”butdonotdoHiswill,willbeexposed.“ForthetimehascomeforjudgmenttobeginatthehouseofGod;andifitbeginswithusfirst,whatwillbetheendofthosewhodonotobeythegospelofGod?”(1Peter4:17).

JustasthejudgmentofMarytookplaceintheTemple,thisjudgmentbeginswiththeelders:“Sotheybeganwiththeelderswhowerebeforethetemple”(Eze.9:6).

STONE-THROWINGInScriptureapureandchastewomansymbolizesthechurch:“Ihavelikened

thedaughterofZiontoalovelyanddelicatewoman”(Jer.6:2);“Husbands,loveyourwives,justasChristalsolovedthechurch”(Eph.5:25);“TheElder,totheelectlady”(2John1).

ThroughouttheBiblethereisacontinuingparallelbetweenMaryandthechurch.InRevelation12thedevilistryingtodestroyawomanoflightwhoisasymbolofGod’schurch.AndlikethefalsereligiousleadersinMary’sstory,Satanstandsbywhiletheyaccusethewoman:“Fortheaccuserofourbrethren,whoaccusedthembeforeourGoddayandnight,hasbeencastdown”(verse10).“ThenheshowedmethehighpriestJoshuastandingbeforetheangeloftheLord,andSatanstandingathisright

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handtoaccusehim”(Zech.3:1,NRSV).Thespiritofaccusationandofstone-throwingisnotthespiritofChristbut

thespiritoftheenemy.Yetformany,criticizingGod’schurchhasbecomesecondnatureandaverypopularformofreligiousrecreation,sortoflikediscussingtheweather.Suchpersonsshouldbewaryofspeakingillofthechurch.Inspiteofallherimperfections,sheisstillthe“appleof[God’s]eye”(Zech.2:8).

WhenwesitinthePharisees’pew,throwingstonesatothersinjudgmentandaccusation,wemayonedaywitnessthefingerofJesuswritingoursinsinthedustforalltosee.

STANDINGFORSENTENCING“AndJesuswasleftalone,andthewomanstandinginthemidst.WhenJesus

hadraisedHimselfup...[He]sawnoonebutthewoman”(John8:9,10).AtthispointinthestoryMaryisstandingface-to-facewithJesus.Sheawaits

Hiscensure.Aroundtheworldithasbeenthecustomforagesthattheaccusedperson

standbeforethejudgewhensentenceispronounced.“ForweshallallstandbeforethejudgmentseatofChrist”(Rom.14:10).

Attheendoftime,whentheJudgeofthehighestcourtstands,Heisnolongerlisteningtoevidence.Heisreadytopronouncejudgment.Whenthepre-Adventjudgmentofthechurchiscomplete,Michael(Jesus)willstandupandtherewillbeagreattimeoftrouble;thenJesuswillreturntothisearth(Dan.12:1,2).

JUDGMENTANDPERFECTIONJesussaidthatHedidnotcometocondemnsinners,butneitherdidHecome

tocondonesin!AsatremblingMarystoodbeforeHim,awaitinghersentencing,

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IbelieveshereadloveandcompassioninHisface.ThoughsheknewnotofthegraceHeoffered,shewasbelievedandreceived.“NeitherdoIcondemnyou,”Hesaid.

ButlestwemisunderstandthedeadlynatureofsinHeadded,“Goandsinnomore.”

Wait,someoneisthinking,isJesusaskingustobesinless?Absolutely.Jesuscanneversayanythingless.SinisthediseasethatwaskillingMary.

WhatwouldyouhaveJesussay?“Goandsinalittleless”?“Goandcutbackonyourlifeofprostitution”?Jesusdidnotcometosaveusinoursinbutfromoursin(Matt.1:21).Wearesavedfromthepenaltyandfromthepower,andultimatelythepresence,ofsin.Personally,Idonotclaimtobeperfect,butIamafollowerofaperfectSaviour.AndJesusleftmeaperfectexample.

IfIshouldsaythatGodcan’tkeepmefromsinning,Iventureontodeadlyground.InessenceIsay,“Thedevilispowerfulenoughtotemptmetosin,butJesusisn’tpowerfulenoughtokeepmefromsin.”Scripturepromises,“Hewhoisinyouisgreaterthanhewhoisintheworld”(1John4:4).IfIcouldmanufactureanexcuseforsin,itwouldceasetobesin.

Also,IaccuseGodofagrossandcruelinjusticeinaskingmetodotheimpossible,thenpunishingmefornotdoingit.Thatwouldbesomethinglikeafatheraskinghisyoungtoddlertotouchtheceiling.Andasthelittleonestrainsontiptoestoreachupsevenfeet,vainlyjumpingwithhispudgylegstogainonlyaninchortwo,thefatherswingshishanddownandsmacksthechild,sendinghimsprawlingtotheground.“Itoldyoutotouchtheceilingandyoudisobeyedme!”

Anuglypicture,tobesure.ButsupposeIaskmy

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toddlertotouchtheceiling,andasheisstrainingandstretchingtodotheimpossible,Igentlyreachdownandlifthimuptohisgoal.ThisishowtheBiblepicturesGod.IneverycommandofGodtheinherentpowertoobeyisavailable.WhentheheavenlyFatheraskedHischildrentocrossanoceanwithoutaboat,Hepartedthesea;inPeter’scase,Heenabledhimtowalkonwater.Intoday’svernacular,Hemightgiveusscubagear!

SINNOLONGERREIGNSSinismorethanasingleoffense;sinisanongoingpattern,alifestyle.

BeforeJesussavesus,weareslavestooursins.AfterJesussavesus,wemayfalloccasionallyandbruiseourknees,but“sinshallnothavedominionoveryou”(Rom.6:14).

FortheChristian,wheresinoncesatenthronedandunchallengedJesusnowsitsasLordandKing.“Thereforedonotletsinreigninyourmortalbody,thatyoushouldobeyitinitslusts”(verse12).ThisdoesnotmeangenuineChristianswillnotmakemistakes.Johnsaid,“Mylittlechildren,thesethingsIwritetoyou,sothatyoumaynotsin.Andifanyonesins,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous”(1John2:1).

ThisconceptisdescribedingreaterdetailinthatfamousbookStepstoChrist:“Thecharacterisrevealed,notbyoccasionalgooddeedsandoccasionalmisdeeds,butbythetendencyofthehabitualwordsandacts”(pp.57,58).

NOTCONDONINGORCONDEMNING“Hesaidtoher,‘Woman,wherearethoseaccusersofyours?Hasnoone

condemnedyou?’Shesaid,‘Noone,Lord.’AndJesussaidtoher,‘NeitherdoIcondemn

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you;goandsinnomore’”(John8:10,11).Wait,shewasguilty!IsJesuscondoningadulteryhere?No,never!Jesus’

statementconfirmstheopposite.TheSonofthelivingGodviewsadulteryasasinwhenHesays,“Goandsinnomore.”

Thewoman’saccusersweregone.Thechargeswerethereforedroppedonatechnicality.AndJesusalreadyhadsaidthatHewasnotgoingtoaccuseher.Shewasfreetogo.

Thinkaboutit.IfJesuscametoaccuseusofoursins,therewouldn’tbeenoughrocksintheworldtostonetheguilty,norinnocentsenoughtohurlthestones.

“ForGoddidnotsendHisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,butthattheworldthroughHimmightbesaved”(John3:17).

IfcondemnationwereHisreasonforcomingtoearth,Hedidn’tneedtocomeatall,forweareborncondemned.“HewhobelievesinHimisnotcondemned;buthewhodoesnotbelieveiscondemnedalready,becausehehas

notbelievedinthenameoftheonlybegottenSonofGod”(verse18).SomesuggestthatwhenJesustoldMary,“NeitherdoIcondemnyou”(John

8:11),Hewasineffectsayingthatthelawhadnowbeensetaside.Butinfact,theoppositeistrue!“Sinisthetransgressionofthelaw”(1John3:4,KJV).

Inessence,JesuswastellingMary,“IwilltakeyourpenaltybecauseIloveyou.Sinhurtsyou,andsinhurtsMe.Iwillbeasacrificeinyourplace.BecauseyouloveMe,goandsin[breakthelaw]nomore.”

REALREPENTANCESarahwasawonderfulChristianwomanwho

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hadarareanddeeprelationshipwithherLord.ButherbrotherGeorgewastheproverbialblacksheepofthefamily,theantithesisofthelifeofhissister.Georgehadaseverealcoholproblem.Afteryearsofabusehisbodyrebelled.Hiskidneyswerefailingfast.ThedoctorstoldSarahthatGeorgewouldsurelydiesoonifhedidnotreceiveakidneytransplant.

“So,whataboutatransplant?”sheasked.“BecauseofGeorge’shistoryofdrinking,it’sdoubtfulthathewouldeven

qualifytohavehisnameaddedtothelistoforganrecipients.”WithouthesitationSarahaskedthedoctorsifshecouldgiveoneofherkidneystoherailingbrother.

“Ifyourbloodtypesmatch,youcould,”thedoctorreplied.“Butthisisanexpensiveoperation,andwequestionthewisdomofputtingyourhealthatriskforapersonwithsuchself-destructivehabits.”

“Please,Doctor.Justfindoutifmykidneyisevensuitable.”Itturnedoutthattheirbloodtypesdidmatch.Whentheaccounting

departmentbroughtupthesubjectofmoney—Georgehadnoinsurance—Sarahmortgagedherhomeandassumedresponsibilitytopaywhateverwasneeded.Withdeterminedpersistence,shepersuadedthehospitalandthekidneytransplantteamtoperformthesurgery.

Thetransplantprocedurewentfine—forGeorge,thatis,butnotforSarah.Sarahhadarareallergicreactiontotheanesthetic,andafterthesurgeryfoundherselfparalyzedfromthewaistdown.

SarahwasabletobearthetragicnewsalittlebetterwhenshewastoldthatGeorgewasdoingremarkablywell.“ThankGod,”shesaid.“IfIamabletobuymybrotherafewmoreyearsoflifeinwhich

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tofindtheSaviour,thenitwasstillworthit,evenifIcanneverwalkagain.”Hownobleandgenerousofthelovingsister.However,hernobilityisnotthe

reasonItellthisstory,forlifeisstrangerthanfiction.HowdoyouthinkSarahfeltwhenherbrotherneverstoppedbyherbedtothankherforhercostlysacrifice?AndhowdoyouthinkSarahfeltwhenshelearnedthatthefirstthingherbrotherdidafterleavingthehospitalwastogotoabarandcelebrate?

MostoftheworldeagerlytakestheblessingsofGodandselfishlysquandersthem,asdidGeorge.HowdoyouthinkJesusfeelswhenaprofessedChristian,afterreceivingmercyandlife,leavesHispresenceandreturnstotheverybehaviorthatcosttheSavioursuchsuffering?WhenweseeandunderstandhowmuchoursinshavecostHim,wewillnolongerwanttoembracethemonsterthatcutHimsodeeply.

Jesusdidn’tdieonthecrosstobuyusalicensetosin;Hecametosaveusfromsin.Andloveisthepowerthatenablesustoturnfromthosesins.“DoyoudespisetherichesofHisgoodness,forbearance,andlongsuffering,notknowingthatthegoodnessofGodleadsyoutorepentance?”(Rom.2:4).

REPEATOFFENDERSMary’sstorydoesnotendontheTemplefloor.Neitherdoourstories.

BecausewemayrepeatthesamemistakesandfallintothesamesinmorethanoncedoesnotmeanthatGodhasforsakenus.“AndthetwelvewerewithHim,andcertainwomenwhohadbeenhealedofevilspiritsandinfirmities—MarycalledMagdalene,outofwhomhadcomesevendemons”(Luke8:2).“NowwhenHeroseearlyon

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thefirstdayoftheweek,HeappearedfirsttoMaryMagdalene,outofwhomHehadcastsevendemons”(Mark16:9).SeventimesMaryhadslippedbackintotheoldpatternsofsinandJesushadforgivenher.

“Forarighteousmanmayfallseventimesandriseagain.Butthewickedshallfallbycalamity”(Prov.24:16).

Ourproblemisthatifafterbeingsetfreefromthedemonsofsomespecificsinwedonotquicklyfillthevacuumwithgoodreplacements,wewillsoonfallintotheoldrutsofbehavior.

“Whenanuncleanspiritgoesoutofaman,hegoesthroughdryplaces,

seekingrest;andfindingnone,hesays,‘IwillreturntomyhousefromwhichIcame.’Andwhenhecomes,hefindsitsweptandputinorder.Thenhegoesandtakeswithhimsevenotherspiritsmorewickedthanhimself,andtheyenteranddwellthere;andthelaststateofthatmanisworsethanthefirst”(Luke11:24-26).

ThesesevendevilsrepresentthesevenareasinwhichMaryneededtoobtainvictory.Youhaveheardtheexpression“thesevendeadlysins”?Thoughthatisnotverybiblical,theScripturesdohintatsevenareasinwhichGod’schildrenmustgainthevictory.

“ThesesixthingstheLordhates,yes,sevenareanabominationtoHim”(Prov.6:16).Theyareasfollows:

1.“Aproudlook”(verse17).2.“Alyingtongue”(verse17).3.“Handsthatshedinnocentblood”(verse17).4.“Aheartthatdeviseswickedplans”(verse18).5.“Feetthatareswiftinrunningtoevil”(verse18).6.“Afalsewitnesswhospeakslies”(verse19).7.“Onewhosowsdiscordamongbrethren”(verse19).

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If,likeMary,youfindyourselfrepentingofthesamesinseveraltimes,donotdespair.JesussaidinLuke17:3,4:“Takeheedtoyourselves.Ifyourbrothersinsagainstyou,rebukehim;andifherepents,forgivehim.Andifhesinsagainstyouseventimesinaday,andseventimesinadayreturnstoyou,saying,‘Irepent,’youshallforgivehim.”

IfGodasksustoforgiveeachotherseventimesinoneday,willHedoanylessforus?Godwillforgiveuseverytimewesincerelyrepent.However,thereisadangerthatwecancometotheplacewherewepresumeuponHisgraceandabuseHisforgiveness,hardeningourheartstoHisloveandquenchingthesparksofconviction.

ThereiseffortinvolvedindenyingselfandlivingtheChristianlife.TheBiblesayswewar,wrestle,run,fight,andstrive.Butthefightisagoodfightoffaith.WestrivetotrustGod’splanandwillforusratherthanourown.WefighttostayclosetoJesus.LikeMary,wearesafefromsinwhenwestaywithJesus.“WhoeverabidesinHimdoesnotsin”(1John3:6).

MarymetJesusintheTemplethatday,andforthefirsttimeinherlifeshefoundaManwholovedherunconditionally.ShemetaManwhowasmore

interestedinhersoulthanherbody.FromthemomentsheheardHimsay“NeitherdoIcondemnyou;goandsinnomore”(John8:11),sheunderstoodHewouldsomehowtakeherplaceasthecondemned.Shesawtheglaring,murderouslooksofthepriestsandknewthattheywouldnotrestuntiltheyhadrevengefortheirhumiliationbeforethepeople.IntheTemplethatdayChriststoodbetweenaguilty,condemnedwomanandheraccusers.Hewouldbearherpunishment.ThisisalsowhatJesushasdoneforeachoneofus.

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L

CHAPTERTWO

ATJESUS’FEETINSORROW:

“PRAYINGFORTHEDEAD”

TheStory

azarus’laboredbreathingwasslowingnow.Mary’sailingbrotherhadbeenslippinginandoutofconsciousnessthroughoutthenight.Bymorninghis

bodyquiveredwithfever;hiseyeswereopenandlockedinposition.Where’sJesus?Marywonderedtoherself.What’stakingHimsolong?The

urgentmessagewassentfourdaysago.BynowHeshouldbehere!ThemessengerhadfoundJesusandreturned.“TheMastersaid,‘This

sicknessisnotuntodeath,butforthegloryofGod,thattheSonofGodmaybeglorifiedbyit’”(John11:4,NASB).

Atfirsttheman’swordsbuoyedMary’sflaggingspirits.ButasthehourspassedandLazarus’conditionworsened,doubtsnibbledatthecornersofhermind.

“Notuntodeath,notuntodeath.”Maryrepeatedthewordsinherheartlikeachantforreassurance,thoughhereyesandearstoldherthatheronlybrotherwasjustmomentsfromdeath.Shewatchedasheroldersister,Martha,bathedLazarus’feveredforeheadandbeardwithacoolcloth,occasionallyleaningclosertoherunconsciousbrother’searandwhispering,“TheMasterwillbeheresoon,andallwillbewell.Pleaseholdon.”

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MaryknewMartharepeatedthismoreforherbenefitnow,becauseLazarushadstoppedrespondingtotheircommentsduringthelongnight.

SeveralmonthshadpassedsinceMaryhadfirstmetJesusduringtheshamefulepisodeintheTempleandbeguntofollowHim.MaryhadgonedirectlyfromtheTempletoMarthaandLazarus’homeinBethany,twomilesaway.Cryingtearsofrepentance,sheconfessedthewholestrangeincidenttoherfamily.SheopenlytoldthemofthesecretlifeofsinshehadbeenlivingandhowJesushadforgivenher.

Marywonderedoutloud,“CouldthisRabbifromNazarethbetheMessiah?

TheOnewe’vewaitedforforsolong?”NewsoftheTeacherhadalreadytouchedtheheartsofMarthaandLazarus.

TheywerealreadyconvincedofthedivinemissionofJesusofNazareth,andtheywerenotsurprisedbyMary’sconfession.HersiblingshadfirmsuspicionsastothereasonsMaryhadmoveduptothetownofMagdala.

MagdalawasaninfamouscitylocatedonthewesternshoreoftheSeaofGalilee.ItwasaRomanresorttown,frequentedbysoldiersonleave.Brightlylitpleasureboatsloadedwithrevelingsoldiers,loosewomen,andanabundanceofwinewouldlaunchfromthedocksinMagdalanightly.Theirloudmusicanddrunkenlaughterwerethebaneofthelocalfishermen.

ForyearsMaryhadtoldMarthaandLazarusapartialtruth,thatsheearnedherkeepbyrepairingclothingforthemilitary.They’dseenthelargesumsofmoneytheirsisterbroughtoneachvisit—muchmorethanasewerwouldearn.

DailyMarthaandLazarusprayedfortheirsister’sdeliverancefromherimmorallife.TheybelievedthatjustasJehovahhadtransformedRahabtheharlotinto

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arespectedmotherinIsrael,HecouldsaveMary.Theirgratitudeoverflowedforthissuddenchangeintheiryoungersister.Mary’seyeswerebrightandhappyforthefirsttimeinyears.

ThatsameafternoonLazarussoughtoutandfoundJesus,theninsistedthatHeandHisfriendscomehomefordinner.Jesusagreed,andbytheendoftheeveningMarthaandherbrotherpersuadedJesusandHisfriendstostayintheirhomewhenevertheyfoundthemselvesinthearea.

ManypeopleeagerlycametohearJesusteach,butfewinvitedHimintotheirhome.ThePhariseesandSadduceeshadpersuadedtheJewishpeopletoconsiderJesusadangerousenemyoftheirfaith.ToinviteHimtotheirhomewouldbecertainsocialsuicideandincurthewrathofthelocalsynagogueleaders.

JesuswarnedLazarusaboutthepotentialpitfallsofhostingOnesohated,butLazaruswasundaunted.HerepeatedthathisspacioushomewasopentoJesusandHisdisciplesanytime.TheTeachergratefullyacceptedtheman’sactofhospitality.

SoonitbecameevidentthattheMasterfeltdrawntothistrioofsiblings.ThehomeofLazarusandMarthabecamearegularoasisfromthebusypressuresofHisministry.Jesuscherishedtheclean,orderlyenvironmentthatsurroundedMartha.

Asfellowcarpenters,LazarusandJesuswouldexchangewoodworkingtechniques.Also,theMasterfoundMary’ssimplehungerfortruthrefreshingcomparedtotheconstantresistancefromthescribesandreligiousleaders.

ThusbeganastrongfriendshipbetweenJesus,Lazarus,Martha,andMary.TheybecameHisfamilywheneverHewasinthevicinityofJerusalem.ThiswouldbetheonlyplaceduringJesus’earthlyministry

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whereHecouldenjoytheconveniencesofarelaxedhomeandthewarmthofafamily.HeandHisdisciplesoftentookrefugeintheBethanyhome,exceptwhentheweatherwasmild.ThenJesuspreferredsleepingunderthestarsinasecludedoliveorchardjustoutsideofJerusalem—aplacecalledGethsemane.

ConsideringJesus’greatloveforherbrother,MaryfoundithardtoimaginethattheMasterwouldnotrushtoHisfriend’ssidewhenHeheardofLazarus’illness.SuddenlytheunevenrhythmofLazarus’breathingstopped.MarthaandMaryfastenedtheirgazeonthestillformoftheirbelovedbrother.Inthedeafeningsilence,theirmindsshouted,Breathe!Breathe!

Almostasifhecouldheartheunspokenpleaoftheirhearts,Lazarustookonemoreshortbreath,thenslowlyreleasedit.Foramomentsilencehunginthesickroomlikeaheavydarkgarment.SuddenlythelongunbearablesilencewasbrokenbythechillingwailofgriefthatcamefirstfromdeepwithinMartha,thenfromMary.Therebyhiscot,thebedlinensdampfromhisfever,thetwowomenfelltotheirkneesandsobbedandcriedastheirbrother’swarmbodycooled.

WherewasJesus?Hehadhealedsomanystrangerswithnoeffort.WhyhadHenotcometohealHisfriend?AllthetimesLazarusandMarthawelcomedHimintotheirhome,fedandshelteredHismotleytribeofdisciples,andHehadnotcomewhenHewasneeded.Questionsanddoubtsnibbledawayatthemindsofthetwosisters.

AfteratimeMarthastoodupandresolutelywipedhereyeswithacloth.“Wemustmakearrangements,”shesaid,juttingherchinforwardindetermination.Marthafoundreliefinactivity.IntheirconfidencethatJesuswouldcomeandhealLazarus,theyhadneverexpected

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himtodie,andhencehadmadenopreparations.“Ineedtogotothemarkettobuytheburialclothandthenecessary

ointments,”Marthasaidasshedabbedhereyeswithacloth.SinceMary’s

embarrassingordealintheTemple,theyoungersisterseldomventuredintotown.

Movingtowardthedoor,MarthaturnedtowardMary.“Wehavenograve,”shesaid.Astheword“grave”camefromherlips,hervoicebrokeandfreshtearsbegantoflow.

Marywrappedherarmsaroundheroldersister.“WhataboutthelandoutsideofBethanythatourparentsleftus?Lazaruslovedsittingontherockatopthehill.”

“Iknow,butthegroundthereisalmostsolidrock.Itwouldtakeseveralmenaweekormoretodigevenashallowgrave,”Marthareminded.

“True.ButasIremember,therearecavesinthesideofthehill.Iusedtoplayinthemasagirl,”Maryadmitted.“Forthatmatter,Iknowofonecavethatwouldbebigenoughtoburyaking.”

Martha’sbrowknitted.Shepursedherlipsasshethoughtabouthersister’ssuggestion.“Acavewouldbebetterthanaholeintheground.FatherAbrahamwasburiedinacave,andLazarushasbeennobleasanyking.Agoodsuggestion.We’llusethecave.”

Withtheplaceofintermentdecided,Marthaswitchedintoaction.“Mary,IneedyoutogotoJabin’sfamilyandtellthemofourloss.They’rethebestmournersinthevalley.Askthemtocometoourhomeearlytomorrowmorning,withafewothermourners.Andwewillhiresomemusiciansaswell.”Shebuzzedfromtheroom,talkingasshewalked.“I’llarrangefortherulerofthesynagoguetosaytheprayersbeforeyouandIleadtheprocessiontothegrave.”

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Thatthefuneralwentwellwasnosurprise.WheneverMarthatookchargeofanevent,theoccasionalwayswentwell.Thewomanwasknownthroughouttheregionasaconsummateorganizer,anexpertathandlingdetails.

Ontheseconddayseveraloftheircousinsarrivedfromthenorthandjoinedthehiredmourners.MarthaandMaryappreciatedthecomforttheyreceivedfromfamilyandfriends.Buteverynowandthensomeonewouldsay,“IthoughtyouweregoodfriendswiththeRabbihealerfromGalilee.IwouldhaveexpectedtoseeHimhere.It’stoobadHedidn’tcomeintimetohealdearLazarus.”

Witheachsuchremark,painfulconfusionmadeafreshtwistintheirhearts.Whyhadn’tHecome?WhyhadGodallowedtheirbrothertodie?Marthaquestionedthemessengeragainandagain.“AreyousureHeunderstoodyou?”

“Yes,yes,”theyoungmansaid.“TheRabbitoldmethatLazarus’sicknesswasnotuntodeath,butforthegloryofGod,thattheSonofGodmaybeglorifiedthroughit.That’sjustwhatHesaid.”

Sowhy,then,didHenotcome?HadHemetwithtragedyonHiswaytoBethany?HadtheJewsarrestedHim?WastheMasterlanguishinginafilthyRomanjailcell,ashadHisoldercousin,JohntheBaptist?

OnthemorningofthefourthdayMarthahadjustfinishedfeedingherhouseholdofvisitingfamilymembersandguestswhenoneofhercousinsburstintothekitchen.TheboywhisperedsomethingtoMartha:“OneofJesus’disciplesaskedmetotellyouthatJesusiswaitingforyououtsidethevillage.”

KnowingtheLordhadmanyenemiesnearJerusalem,andwantingtoavoidattractingundueattention,Marthaquietlyslippedawayfromthehouse

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withouttellingMary.ShefollowedtheyoungboytoanolivegroveoutsideBethany.

MarthasawJesussittingonthestoneedgeofanolivepress,restingfromHisjourney.RunningtoHim,shekneltbeforeHimandwithbrokensobssaid,“Lord,ifYouhadbeenhere,mybrotherwouldnothavedied”(John11:21).

Thiswasasmuchaquestionasastatement.ShegazedintoJesus’faceandreadsomethingcompletelyunanticipated.Whereshe’dexpectedtofindsorrowshefoundpeaceandjoy.AflickerofhopesuddenlyflamedinMartha’smind.Jesushadraisedthedeadbefore.TherewasthatyounggirlnearCapernaum.Ofcourse,thescribeshadsaidthatshewasnotreallydead.Justinadeepsleep.ButPeter,James,andJohn,whowitnessedthechild’sresurrection,assuredherthatthegirlhadbeencompletelycold,still,andlifeless.AndwhenJesushadsaid“Littlegirl,Isaytoyou,getup!”thechildhadcomebacktolife.

ThenMartharecalledhearingaboutthesonofthatpoorwidowfromNain.TheyoungmanwasalreadybeingcarriedoffforburialwhenJesusstoppedtheprocessionandtouchedthecoffin,forcingthebearerstocometoahalt.ThenHesaid,“Youngman,Isaytoyou,arise!”(Luke7:14).Andthereinthemiddleofthestreet,thedeadboysatupandspoketohismother.

CouldJesusdothisforLazarusevenafterfourdays?Marthasummonedeveryounceoffaithbeforespeaking.“Evennow,IknowthatwhateverYouaskofGod,GodwillgiveYou”(John11:22).

JesusplacedHishandtenderlyonhershoulderandgazedlovinglyintothegrievingwoman’stearstainedface.“Yourbrotherwillriseagain,”Hesaid(verse

23).WantingtobecertainthatsheandJesuswere

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speakingofthesameevent,Marthareplied,“Iknowthathewillriseagainintheresurrectionatthelastday”(verse24).

NowitwasJesus’turntoclarifytheissue.ForifHedidresurrectLazarus,itwouldbeonlyatemporaryextensionofthisearthlylife.Thenhewoulddieagain.ButthelifeJesushadcometogivewasonethathasnoend.

Jesussaidtoher,“Iamtheresurrectionandthelife;hewhobelievesinMeshallliveevenifhedies,andeveryonewholivesandbelievesinMeshallneverdie.Doyoubelievethis?”(verses25,26,NASB).Hisquestioncuthertothequick.SherecalledthedoubtsshehadbeenentertainingsinceLazarusdied.FaithwasalwaysthesupremeissuewiththeMaster.

WithconvictionMarthasaid,“Yes,Lord;IhavebelievedthatYouaretheChrist,theSonofGod,evenHewhocomesintotheworld”(verse27,NASB).

JesustenderlytookMartha’shandsinHis.“GoquietlyandbringMarywithyou.Wewillgotothetombtogether.”

Marthaimmediatelymadeherwaybacktothehouse,movingasfastasshecouldwithoutgivingtheappearanceofrunning.Assheskippedoverstonesinherpathway,reservationsaroseinhermind.Yes,Jesusraisedthedead,butthosepeoplehadbeendeadforonlyafewhours.Lazarushasbeendeadfourdaysnow.

Sheshookloosetheunwelcomedoubtfromherthinking.ImustbelieveHecandoeventhis.Assheapproachedthehousethingswerequiet,asidefromthehushedweepingofthemourners.Thewearymusiciansweretakingabreakfromtheircycleofprayersandwoefultunes.

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MarthaspottedMarysittingontheedgeofabenchbythewindow,rockingherupperbodybackandforth,andgazingatnothinginparticular.Shehaddrawnablackshawloverherhairandshoulders.Sheseemedtobeembracingherselfasifshewerecold,eventhoughtherewasawarmafternoonbreeze.Theyoungerwoman’slipsmoved,butnowordscameout.MarthaplacedherhandgentlyonMary’sbackandwhisperedinherear.“TheTeacherishere.He’scallingforyou.”

Marthahopednottoarousetheattentionofthescribesatthefuneral.

EveryoneknewtheyweresidingwiththepriestsagainsttheGalileanHealer.ButwhenMaryheardhersister’smessage,sheinhaledsharply.Theyounger

sistersprangtoherfeetandrushedoutofthehouse.ShehadjustbeenprayingthatJesuswouldcome.

TheJewswhowereinthehouseconsolingherwatchedMaryflee.AndMartharanafterher.Assumingthetwosistersweregoingtothetombtoweep,theyfollowed,sayingtooneanother,“Thisisthelastdayofmourning.Weshouldjointhem.”

JesuswasstillsittingpatientlyintheplacewhereMarthahadmetHim.WhenMarysawHimshecollapsedatHisfeetandsobbed,“Lord,ifYouhadbeenhere,mybrotherwouldnothavedied”(verse32).

WhenJesussawhertearsandthoseofthehiredmournerswhowereslowlyclimbingthetrail,Hefelttheirpain.TenderlyHebrushedawayateardropfromthewoman’scheek.HebowedHisheadandclosedHiseyes.ItwasasthoughasupernaturalagonyweigheddownuponHim.Aheart-wrenchinggroanescapedHislips.ThenHeliftedherfacetomeetHisownandasked,“Wherehaveyoulaidhim?”(verse34).

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Martharesponded,“Lord,comeandsee”(verse34).AsJesusandthewomenenteredtheclearingatthefootofthehill,the

mournersandmusicianssoonstationedthemselvesbehindthefamily,facingthegrave.Thehiredmournerslaunchedintoafreshdemonstrationoffirst-classgrieving,andthemusiciansaccompaniedwithdolefulfuneraldirges.TheywantedtoimpressthefamousRabbiwiththeirdepthofemotion.

TearswelledupintheTeacher’seyes;thoseinvoluntarymusclesofgriefcontortedHisfacialexpression.AndJesuswept.

Oneofthescribes,startledbythisauthenticdemonstrationofgrief,sarcasticallyblurtedout,“CouldnotHewhoopenedtheeyesoftheblindhavekeptthismanfromdying?”

Jesusheardtheman’sremarkandlookedup,Hisfacewetwithtears.AftertheMasterregainedHispoiseHegazedatthelargestonecoveringthecave.TherethecoldremainsofHisfriendlaydecomposingindarkness.Heknewthatbeforelong,Hisownlifelessbodywouldbesealedinasimilarfashion.

Justasthemourners’wailingcriesandshrillmusicreachedanewcrescendo,Jesusstunnedthegathering.“Takeawaythestone,”Hecalledoutloudly(verse39).Instantlytheweepingandwailingstoppedandwasfollowedbyalong

awkwardsilence.Theentireassemblystoodspeechless,lookingatJesus,thenatMartha.Notwantingtobetastelessaboutsuchthingsinfrontofherguests,MarthawantedtobesuresheunderstoodherLord’srequest.Asgracefullyaspossible,shecastHimaworriedsmile.“Master,”shesaid,“bythistimethereisabadodor.Hehasbeentherefourdays.”

AslightsmileteasedthecornersoftheMaster’s

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lips.“DidInottellyouthatifyoubelieved,youwouldseethegloryofGod?”Martha’sbreathcaughtinherthroatassheslowlyturnedtowardMaryfor

approval.Marynoddedeagerly.Takingadeepbreathforcourage,Marthamotionedtosomeoftherobustyoungmenwhohadhelpedpreparethecaveafewdaysearlier.“DoasHesays.”

Theyfoundtheleverpolesthathadbeenusedtorollthemassivestoneovertheentranceofthetomb.Glancingonefinaltimeatthesisters,themenhopedthewomenwouldreconsiderthismorbidrequest.Insteadtheysawasettleddeterminationinthewomen’sexpressions.

Whiletwomenpulleddownonthelongpolewedgedatthebaseofthestone,anotherpushedwithhisbackagainsttherock.Themenpusheduntiltheboulderrolledthreefeettotheleft,exposingtheentranceofLazarus’grave.

Themenmighthavemovedthestonefarther,buttheoverwhelmingstenchofdeathwaftingoutofthecaveentrancesentthemgaggingfromthehillsidesepulcher.

WithroyaldignityJesusraisedHisheadandstretchedHishandstowardtheheavens.“Father,IthankYouthatYouhaveheardMe.AndIknowthatYoualwayshearMe,butbecauseofthepeoplewhoarestandingbyIsaidthis,thattheymaybelievethatYousentMe”(verses41,42).Thenwithauthorityandconfidence,HefastenedHisgazeonthetombandcalledinloudtrumpet-cleartones,“Lazarus,comeout!”

Forafewmomentstimestoodstill.Everyeyewasrivetedonthetomb.Fromthedarknessofthecavecameamuffledsoundandtheshadowofsome

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movement.Yelpsandterrifiedgaspsrippledthroughthecrowdaseveryonetookastepback—everyoneexceptMaryandMartha,whohadbegunapproachingthetomb.

Frominsidethetombthedistinctsoundofrustlingandaconfusedmuffledvoicecouldbeheard,followedbyaneerieimagethatfilledtheentrance.Amanwrappedinyellowgraveclothesstruggledwithboundhandstofreehisface,atthesametimestumblingoverthestrandsofcloththatunraveledfromabouthisfeet.

Shrieksarosethroughoutthecrowdofpeople.Jesuscalledtosomeoftheterrifiedspectators,“Loosehim,andlethimgo”(verse44).MarthawasthefirsttoreachLazarus.Joyfullyshetoreawaythefabricshe’dtenderlywrappedaroundhisdeadbodyfourdaysearlier.Maryalsorushedtoherbrother.Butbeforereachinghim,shedeliberatelyturnedtoJesusandagainfellatHisfeetandpouredoutherthanksthroughtearsofhappiness.

Behindthereunitedfamilythecrowdwhispered,“ThisManmustbetheChrist!”Unnoticedbytheastonishedassembly,twooftheguestsquietlybackedawayfromthefuneral-turned-celebration.

“Thepriestsmustimmediatelyhearaboutthisfantasticmiracle.”

TheStudy

JOHN11:1-4

“Nowacertainmanwassick,LazarusofBethany,thetownofMaryandhersisterMartha.ItwasthatMarywhoanointedtheLordwithfragrantoilandwipedHisfeetwithherhair,whosebrotherLazaruswassick.ThereforethesisterssenttoHim,

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saying,‘Lord,behold,hewhomYouloveissick.’WhenJesusheardthat,Hesaid,‘Thissicknessisnotuntodeath,butforthegloryofGod,thattheSonofGodmaybeglorifiedthroughit’”(John11:1-4).(Pleasereadtheentirechapter.)

APATTERNOFGREATNESSItisinterestingtonotethatthesevenresurrectionsassociatedwithJesus

seemtohavehappenedinaparticularorderandwithincreasingdramaandpower.

First,therewasthelittlegirlwhohadbeendeadonlyafewhours(Mark5:35-43).

Thentherewastheyoungmanwhowasbeingcarriedoffforburial(Luke7:12-16).

NextwasthemiracleofLazarus’resurrection;hehadbeendeadfourdays(John11).

ThenthemiracleofJesus’rising,whichwasaccompaniedbytheresurrectionofmanysaintsaroundJerusalem;theyhadbeendeadforyears(Matthew27:51-53).

NextwillbethedeadinChrist,whorisewhenHecomesinglory(1Thess.4:16).

Thefinalresurrectionwillincludethelargestnumberever.Thelostofallageswillberaisedforjudgmentandpunishmentattheconclusionofthe1,000years(Rev.20:5).

PRAYINGFORTHEDEADINSINTheraisingofLazaruswasdoubtlessamongthemostdramaticandstriking

miraclesofJesus’earthlyministry.ThestorymayhavebeenomittedbytheotherGospelwritersbecausetheywrotetheirhistorieswhileLazaruswasstillalive;perhapstheydidnotmentionhimforfearoffurtherexcitingthemaliceoftheJewishleaders.John12:10,11statesthat

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Jesus’enemiessoughttoputLazarustodeath,toremovethelivingmonumentofChrist’spowerandgoodnessthatremainedintheland.

ButthereismuchmoretolearnfromthisstorythanthefactthatJesushaspowertogivenewlifetoinanimatematter.MartinLuthersaid,“Godcreatesoutofnothing.Therefore,untilamanisnothing,Godcanmakenothingoutofhim.”BeforeJesuscangiveusnewspirituallifewemustfirstdietoself,orbe“crucifiedwithChrist”(Gal.2:20).

IntheBiblethetermdeathisoftenasymbolfortheabsenceofspirituallife.GodtoldAdamandEve,“Ofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevilyoushallnoteat,forinthedaythatyoueatofityoushallsurelydie”(Gen.2:17).NotonlydidAdamandEvebegintodiephysicallythedaytheyatetheforbiddenfruit;moreimportant,theydiedspiritually.Fromthatdaytothis,allofAdam’schildrenarebornspirituallydead;theymustbebornasecondtimeinJesus.

“Wherefore,asbyoneman[Adam]sinenteredintotheworld,anddeathbysin;andsodeathpasseduponallmen”(Rom.5:12).

“Jesussaidtohim,‘Letthedeadburytheirowndead,butyougoandpreach

thekingdomofGod’”(Luke9:60).Untilwearebornagainwearecontrolledbythelowernature,thusare

spirituallydead.“AndyouHemadealive,whoweredeadintrespassesandsins”(Eph.2:1).“Weknowthatwehavepassedfromdeathtolife,becausewelovethebrethren.Hewhodoesnotlovehisbrotherabidesindeath”(1John3:14).

Everylostpersonsitson“deathrow,”asitwere,simplywaitingforjudgment.“HethathaththeSonhathlife;andhethathathnottheSonofGodhathnotlife”(1John5:12,KJV).

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Withthesescripturesinmind,rememberthatMaryisatypeorsymbolofthechurch;justasshekneltatJesus’feetweepingforherbrother,thechurchmustspendtimeprayingand,yes,evenweepingatthefeetofJesus,askingHimtoresurrectourbrothersandsisterswhoarespirituallydead.WhenwedothiswecanexpectthesameresultsthatMaryandMarthareceived—newspirituallifeforourlovedones.Jesussaid,“Iamtheresurrectionandthelife.HewhobelievesinMe,thoughhemaydie,heshalllive”(John11:25).Thisisthegoodnews.

ThismeansmorethanthephysicalresurrectionuponJesus’return.Onlythosewhointhislifeexperienceaspiritualdeath,burial,andresurrectionwillbepreparedforthephysicalresurrectionatJesus’coming.

Thosebornonlyoncewilldietwice.Thisofcoursemeanstheseconddeath,referredtoinRevelation20:14.Buthewhoisborntwicewilldieonlyonce—hethatisbornphysicallyandthenspirituallywillexperiencethephysicaldeathonlyonce.

PERSEVERINGPRAYERJustasMarypleadedandcriedatJesus’feetfortheresurrectionofher

brother,theNewTestamentchurchwasalsoresurrectedthroughtheprayersandtearsofPaulandotherslikehim.“IthankGod,whomIservewithapureconscience,asmyforefathersdid,aswithoutceasingIrememberyouinmyprayersnightandday”(2Tim.1:3).“ForoutofmuchafflictionandanguishofheartIwrotetoyou,withmanytears,notthatyoushouldbegrieved,butthatyoumightknowthelovewhichIhavesoabundantlyforyou”(2Cor.2:4).

WemustalsoprayandpleadpersistentlythatGodwillgrantlifetoourlostfriendsandlovedones.Elijah

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prayedthreetimesbeforethedeadchildrose,andseventimesfortheraintocome(1Kings17:21;18:43).James5:16says,“Theeffective,ferventprayerofarighteousmanavailsmuch.”“Forindueseasonweshallreapifwedonotloseheart”(Gal.6:9).

AdmiralRobertE.PearywasvictoriousinhisquestfortheNorthPoleonlybecausehewaspersistent.Hesearchedformanyyears.TheInuitstoldhim,“Youarelikethesun.Youalwayscomeback.”Hisdominatingdesireledhimtopersevereinspiteofphysical,financial,andnaturaldifficulties.Laterhesaid,“For24years,sleepingorawake,toplacethestarsandstripesonthePolehasbeenmydream.”

Shouldwebelesspersistentwhenprayingforeternalvictories?Throughperseverancethesnailreachedtheark,andsmalldropsofwaterwearoutalargestone.

Iknowonewomanwhoprayedfor50yearsfortheconversionofherspouse;thenhewasdramaticallyconverted!

LikeMary,ourpersistentprayersthatJesuswillspirituallyresurrectourlostfriendsandfamilywillberewarded.

WHENISTHERESURRECTION?Wecan’trushpastthissubjectofLazarus’deathandresurrectionwithout

consideringsomepopularyetverydangerousmisconceptionsregardingthestateofhumanbeingsindeath.

Manyhavebeenfalselytaughtthatassoonasapersondiesheorsheisinstantlyusheredintohisorherreward,directlytoheavenorhell.Thisteachinghaditsoriginsinancientpaganreligions;itisnotbasedonScripture.

RememberwhenMarthasaid,“Iknowthathewill

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riseagainintheresurrectionatthelastday”(John11:24)?ThegeneralresurrectionofthedeadinChristonthegreatjudgmentdayandthegivingofjustrewardsdonottakeplaceuntilthesecondcomingofJesus.Hereareafewscripturestoconsider:

“ThisisthewilloftheFatherwhosentMe,thatofallHehasgivenMeIshouldlosenothing,butshouldraiseitupatthelastday”(John6:39).

“NoonecancometoMeunlesstheFatherwhosentMedrawshim;andIwillraisehimupatthelastday”(verse44).

Ifapersoniscatapultedrightintoheavenorhellatthetimeofdeath,thenwhatistheneedforthejudgmentandresurrectionattheendoftheworld?

JesuswillawakenthedeaduponHisreturn.In1Thessalonians4:16-18Paultellsus,“TheLordHimselfwilldescendfromheavenwithashout,withthevoiceofanarchangel,andwiththetrumpetofGod.AndthedeadinChristwillrisefirst.ThenwewhoarealiveandremainshallbecaughtuptogetherwiththeminthecloudstomeettheLordintheair.AndthusweshallalwaysbewiththeLord.Thereforecomfortoneanotherwiththesewords.”

Again,Paulreferstothisresurrectionin1Corinthians15:23:“Buteachoneinhisownorder:Christthefirstfruits,afterwardthosewhoareChrist’s[willrise]atHiscoming.”AndinRevelation22:12Johnwrites,“Andbehold,Iamcomingquickly,andMyrewardiswithMe,togivetoeveryoneaccordingtohiswork.”YoucanseethatJesusdistributestherewardswhenHecomes!

NOCOMMENT!Remember,Lazarusdidnotreport,afterbeingdeadforfourdaysthen

resurrected,thatJesus

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snatchedhimbackfromtheportalsofgloryandfromaheavenlycommunionofangelstoreturntothisdarkworld.Thatwouldbeadirtytrick,don’tyouthink?NeitherdidLazarusthankJesusforsavinghimfromtheblisteringfiresofhellorfromthediscomfortofpurgatory.

Ifthisresurrectionweretohappeninourday,thefirstthingallthenewsreporterswouldaskLazarusastheyshovedahundredmicrophonesinhisfacewouldbe“Whatdidyouseeafterdeath?”“Whatdidyouexperience?”

Incredibly,Lazarusmadenocommentatallonhisafter-deathexperience.Why?Becausehehadnone!TheBibleteachesthatdeathisaformofdreamlesssleep,arestafterpain.ThisiswhyJesussaid,“OurfriendLazarussleeps,butIgothatImaywakehimup”(John11:11).

WhenJesusraisedthelittlegirlHesaid,“Thechildisnotdead,butsleeping”(Mark5:39).

Considertheseotherscripturesthatillustratethatindeathapersonisnotthinkingorconscious:“Thelivingknowthattheyshalldie:butthedeadknow

notanything”(Eccl.9:5,KJV).“Whateveryourhandfindstodo,doitwithyourmight;forthereisnoworkordeviceorknowledgeorwisdominthegravewhereyouaregoing”(verse10).“ThedeadpraisenottheLord,neitheranythatgodownintosilence”(Ps.115:17,KJV).“Putnotyourtrustinprinces,norinthesonofman,inwhomthereisnohelp.Hisbreathgoethforth,hereturnethtohisearth;inthatverydayhisthoughtsperish”(Ps.146:3,4,KJV).

TheBibleisexceedinglyclearregardingman’sunconsciousstateindeath.YetmanybelievethatifyouhitaChristianintheheadwithahammerand

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knockhimunconscious,heknowsnothing;butifyouhithimalittlehardersothathedies,heisusheredintoheavenandknowseverything!Doesthatmakesense?

ABSENTFROMTHEBODY?ButDoug,youmayask,whataboutthatscripturethatsays“weare

confident,yes,wellpleasedrathertobeabsentfromthebodyandtobepresentwiththeLord”(2Cor.5:8)?Doesn’tthispassagemeanthatassoonasasavedpersondiesheorsheisusheredintoGod’spresence?Myanswerisyesandno.IknowthatsoundslikeIamrunningforpublicoffice,butstaywithme.

Keepinmindthatthereisnoawarenessoftimeindeath;whenasaintdieshisorhernextconsciousthoughtwillbeoftheresurrectionandGod’spresence.AthousandyearsmayhavepassedonPlanetEarth,butthedeaddon’tknowaboutit!Forthemitseemsas“inamoment,inthetwinklingofaneye,atthelasttrumpet.Forthetrumpetwillsound,andthedeadwillberaisedincorruptible,andweshallbechanged”(1Cor.15:52).

OnthedayofPentecost,Petersaid,regardinggoodkingDavid:“Menandbrethren,letmespeakfreelytoyouofthepatriarchDavid,thatheisbothdeadandburied,andhistombiswithustothisday....ForDaviddidnotascendintotheheavens”(Acts2:29-34).

FortydaysafterJesus’resurrection,PetersaidthatDavid,whohadbeendead1,000years,wasstillasleepinhisgraveandhadnotyetascendedtoheaven.ThreethousandyearshavenowpassedsinceDavid’sdeath,butthatgodlymanhasnoawarenessofthistime.WhenJesusreturns,itwillseembutamomenttothemightyking.Afterclosinghiseyesindeath,thenextthing

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Davidwillbeawareofistheresurrection,hisnewglorifiedbody,andbeinginGod’spresence.

THERICHMANANDLAZARUSAnotherscripturethatisoftencitedinanattempttoprovethatthedeadgo

righttoheavenorhellafterdeathandbeforetheresurrectionorjudgmentistheparableoftherichmanandLazarus,foundinLuke16:19-31.ThemainquestionbeforeusonthismatteriswhetherthisstoryabouttherichmanandLazarusisliterallytrueoraparable.Herearefourreasonsthatitcouldnotpossiblybeliteralistic:

1.ThebeggardiedandwastakenbytheangelstoAbraham’sbosom.NoonebelievesthatAbraham’sliteralbosomistheabodeoftherighteousdead.Itwouldhardlybebigenough.Thisisafigurativeorparabolicexpression.Incidentally,theangelswillgatherthesaints,butaccordingtoMatthew24:31thiswilltakeplaceatthecomingofJesus,notataperson’sdeath.

2.Heavenandhellaredepictedinthisparableasseparatedbyagulf,andyetthepersonsineachcouldconversewitheachother.Thereareprobablyfewindividualsintheworldwhobelievethatthiswillbeliterallytrueofthesavedandthelost(Luke16:26).

3.Therichmanwasinhellwithaphysicalbody.Hehadeyes,atongue,etc.(verses23,24).Howdidhisbodygetintohellfireinsteadofintothegrave?Iknowofnoonewhoteachesthatthebodiesofthewickedgointohellassoonastheydie.Thisstorycouldnotbeliteral.

4.TherequestforLazarustodipthetipofhisfingerinwaterandcomethroughtheflamestocooltherichman’stongueisobviouslynotliteral.Howmuchmoisturewouldbeleftandhowmuchreliefwoulditgive?

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Thewholestoryisunrealisticandparabolic.TherichmanintheparableundoubtedlyrepresentedtheJewishnation,becauseonlyaJewwouldprayto“FatherAbraham.”ThebeggarsymbolizedtheGentiles,whowerecountedunworthytoreceivethetruth.TheverynameLazarus(Laz’uhruhs)means“onewhomGodhelps”(HolmanBibleDictionary).InMatthew15:27theCanaanitemotheracknowledgedthatherpeople,theGentiles,werebeggarsatthetableoftheJews.TheJewishnationfeastedonthewordofGodwhileGentilesaroundthemstarvedforafewcrumbsoftruth,muchlikemanyprofessedChristianchurchestoday.

PossiblyChristchosetousethenameofLazarusintheparablebecauseHeknewHewouldlateractuallyraiseLazarusfromthedead.Theclimacticpointoftheentireparable,themainmeaningChristintended,isfoundinLuke16:31:“IftheyhearnotMosesandtheprophets,neitherwilltheybepersuaded,thoughonerosefromthedead”(KJV).Sureenough,theydidn’tbelieveevenwhenonenamedLazaruswasraisedbeforethem.

ACOMMATHIEFPerhapssomeoneelseisthinking,Didn’tJesuspromisethethiefonthecross,

“TodayyouwillbewithMeinParadise”(Luke23:43)?Sorry,that’snotwhatHesaid.AstheGreekwasoriginallywritten,therewas

nopunctuation.ThatrefinementonliteraturedidnotdevelopforcenturiesafterthewritingoftheBible.Latertranslatorshadtodecidewheretoputperiodsandcommas.Sincethepopularteachingwasthatapersonwentdirectlytoheavenorhellupondeath,therewasastrongpoliticalreasonfortranslatorstoplacethecommabefore

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theword“today”insteadofafter,completelychangingthemeaningoftheverse.Amisplacedcommacancommunicateatotallyoppositemeaningthanwhat

isintended.Forexample,inthe1920sawealthystocktradersenthiswifetoPariswithsomefriendsforherbirthday.Beforeherreturn,shesentaWesternUniontelegramtoherhusbandaskingpermissiontopurchaseastunningfoxcoatthatcost$1,000.Herhusbandwiredbackhisresponse:“Nopricetoohigh.”Thrilledbyherhusband’sbenevolence,shepurchasedthebeautifulwhitecoat.

Whenherhusbandmetherattheship,shedisembarkedwearingherlavishnewacquisition.Heroutragedspouseinquired,“Whydidyoubuythecoat?Itoldyouitwastooexpensive!”

Bewildered,shereplied,“Buthoney,yousaidnopricewastoohigh.”Heshookhishead.“Isaidno,thepriceistoohigh!”Thetelegraphofficehadneglectedtoputthecommaaftertheword“no.”WeknowthatthethiefcouldnothaveascendedtoParadisewithJesusthe

dayoftheCrucifixion,becauseinJohn20:17JesussaidtoMary,“DonotclingtoMe,forIhavenotyetascendedtoMyFather;butgotoMybrethrenandsaytothem,‘IamascendingtoMyFatherandyourFather,andtoMyGodandyourGod.’”ThisstatementwasmadeonSundaymorningbesidethetomb.Jesus

spoketothethiefonFridayafternoon.HowcouldthethiefbewithJesusinParadiseonFridayifthecrucifiedLordstillhadnotascendedtotheFatherbySundaymorning?

Ifweplacethecommaaftertheword“today,”everythingfallsintoplace.Jesuswasemphasizingthat“whileIdonotlooklikeaLordoraking,Iampromisingyoutoday,thatyouwillbewithMeinParadise.”

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NOWISTHETIMETOPRAYInnumerousreligionsoftheworld,peopleengageinburningcandlesand

prayingforthesoulsoftheirdeadlovedonesandancestors.TheBibleisclearthatonceapersondieshisorhercaseisclosed.HeorshegoestothegravewithhisorhersinseithercoveredbythebloodofJesusorexposed,andwaitsforrewardorpunishment.

“Itisappointeduntomenoncetodie,butafterthisthejudgment”(Heb.9:27,KJV).“Andthedeadwerejudgedaccordingtotheirworks,bythethingswhichwerewritteninthebooks”(Rev.20:12).

Noamountofprayersorintercessionfromthelivingwillalteraperson’scaseonceheorsheisdead.However,thegoodnewsisthatwecanmakeadifferencenowbyprayingandweepingatJesus’feetforthosewhoaredeadinsin.

FREEFROMTHEDIRTY,DEADRAGSOnefinalpointtoponderinthestoryofLazarus’resurrectionisthatafter

JesusraisedLazarusHecommandedthatLazarusbeloosedfromtheolddeathragsthatboundhim.Isa.64:6says,“Butwearealllikeanuncleanthing,andallourrighteousnessesarelikefilthyrags.”Jesuscametogiveuslifeandfreedomfromthebondageofeternaldeath.“Andhethatwasdeadcameforth,boundhandandfootwithgraveclothes:andhisfacewasboundaboutwithanapkin.Jesussaithuntothem,Loosehim,andlethimgo”(John11:44,KJV).

Jesuscametogiveuslifeinsteadofdeath.Hesetsusfreefromthefilthy,unrighteousdeathragsthatimprisonus,andHecoversuswiththepurerobeofHisownrighteousness.

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S

CHAPTERTHREE

ATJESUS’FEETINSTUDY:

“MARTHA’SDISTRACTIONS”

TheStorypellbound,MarysatatJesus’feetinMartha’shome,listeningastheLordsharedthegoodnewsabouttheprinciplesofHiskingdomandthelimitless

loveofHisheavenlyFather.Shewouldhavebeenmorecomfortableonabenchacrosstheroom,butthatwastoofarfromJesus.MarywantedtoseeintoHisgentleeyes.WhenHetaught,theyseemedtoreflectaneternityofknowledge.Theyweresodeepandexpressive,evendivine.SometimesMarywasembarrassedwhensherealizedshewasstaringatHiseyes.MarythoughtshecouldjustfallintoJesus’eyesanddrownintheloveshesawthere.

UsuallyJesuswassurroundedbyHisdisciplesandtheteemingmultitudes.WheneverHevisitedherhomeinBethany,onlythedisciplesremained.ShecherishedtheraremomentswhenshecouldbeclosetoHimwithoutthedemandsanddistractionsofthemultitude.Shehadsomanyquestionstoask.Yetsheknewitwouldnotbeappropriateforawoman,especiallyawomanwithherreputation,toaskJesusanyquestionsinpublic.Hereinhersister’sparlor,Marythoughtshewouldbefreefromcensure.

AfterJesusraisedherbrotherfromthedead,MarymoveddownfromMagdalatolivewithMartha

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andLazarusinBethany.ForatimeshehadtriedtomaintainherplaceinthatnorthernRomanresorttownbecauseJesusspentmuchmoretimeteachingupbytheSeaofGalileethaninJerusalem.ButMaryhadlearnedthehardwayhowweakshewaswhenseparatedfromtheMaster.BackinheroldenvironmentofMagdala,associatingwithfriendsandacquaintancesfromthepastlife,shequicklysuccumbedtooldtemptations.Severalnights,afterbeingenticedbackintosin,Marywouldsitaloneinthedimglowoftheoillampandcry,scoopinghertearsfromhercheekswithhertearjar.

Likeothersinherera,Maryhadpurchasedablueglassflaskwithafunnel-likelipontopwithwhichtocatchhertearsofshameandsorrow.Mary’sfountainofpainwassodeepthattwotimesshehadhadtobuyabiggerflaskto

containhertears.Thiswasherliquiddiary.Seventimes,whilelivinginMagdala,Marysought

outJesusandaskedHimtoforgiveherandtorescueherfromthedemonsofguiltandlustthatboundher.AndJesusalwaysdid.TheseventhtimeshekneltatJesus’feetinshame,Hetoldthelisteningcrowdaparable.Maryknewthestorywasmeantespeciallyforher.

“Whenanuncleanspiritgoesoutofaman,hegoesthroughdryplaces,seekingrest;andfindingnone,hesays,‘IwillreturntomyhousefromwhichIcame.’Andwhenhecomes,hefindsitsweptandputinorder.Thenhegoesandtakeswithhimsevenotherspiritsmorewickedthanhimself,andtheyenteranddwellthere;andthelaststateofthatmanisworsethanthefirst”(Luke11:24-26).

JesuswastellingMarythatsheneededanewbeginning.Sheneededtofillherlifewithnewfriendsandanewenvironment,ortheolddevilswouldcontinue

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toreturn.SoshesoldherhouseinMagdala,andallthejewelsandgiftsthesoldiershadgivenher.Shetookherexpensiverisquégarmentsusedtoattractcustomersandburnedthematthecitydump.

Withonlyherflaskoftears,afewmodestclothesinabag,andasubstantialpurseofmoney,shemadethe75-miletriptoMarthaandLazarus’homeinBethany.WhenMaryturnedherbackontheoldlifeshefeltagreatpeace.Thisvictorywouldbepermanent.AsJesushadoftensaid,she“putherhandtotheplowanddidnotlookback.”

SittingatJesus’feet,MarylistenedeagerlyasHetaughther.TheTeachersmiledather,encouraginghertoaskhersimplebutprofoundquestions.

AfreshcloudofdustwaftedfromthebottomofMartha’sdresseverytimesherushedpastherguests.Marthahadawayofrunningwithhershouldersbackandheadupsoshedidnotappeartoberunning.Dashingthroughthehousewouldnotlookdignifiedand,ifnothingelse,Marthawasveryconsciousofappearances,especiallywhenJesuswasvisiting.

Fromthescruffiestscamponthestreettothemostdignifiedlawyer,allofBethanyknewthatlaterthatdayJesuswouldbediningatSimon’shouse.Anybodywhowasanybodyinthevillagewouldbethere,notonlybecauseJesuswouldbethere,butbecauseLazarus,themanraisedfromthedead,wouldbethere.

Ashorttimeearlierthey’dwitnessedhiscold,stillbody,wrappedinaloe-soakedgraveclothes,committedtothedarktombonthehillsideoutsideBethany.ThenJesushadcomeandastonishedthewholeregionbymiraculouslyraisinghimtolife.ButperhapsthemainreasonpeopleclamoredtoattendthefeastwasUncleSimonhimself.

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ForyearsUncleSimon,aPharisee,hadbeenoneofthemostprosperousandrespectedcitizensofBethany.ThenonemorningthegossipspreadthroughthetownthattheTemplepriestshadpronouncedthattheirunclehadcontractedleprosy—avirtualsentenceofdeath.

Leprosywasamostdevastatinganddreadedscourge,sometimesknownasthe“curse,”or“fingerofGod.”WhenMarthatoldMaryaboutUncleSimon’scondition,sheadded,“Theremusthavebeensomesininhislife.OtherwiseGodwouldnotdothistoUncleSimon.”Marthashookherheadandclickedhertongue.“Women!”RumorwasthatSimonhadaproblemwithyoungwomen.

Marydroppedhereyesandsaidnothing.SheknewalltoowellaboutUncleSimon’sproblem.Hehadbeentheonetoleadhisprettyniecedownthespiralingroadofdisgrace.Marykeptthisshamefulsecretburieddeepinherpast.

UncleSimonwasatypicalPhariseeofhisera.Hepreachedbythemileandlivedbytheinch.Hetalkedlikeapriestinpublicandlivedlikeapublican,ataxcollector,intheshadows.

AfterthepriestspronouncedSimonaleper,hewasdrivenfromthevillagetolivewiththeotherlepersinthe“campofthedead.”Thesecolonieswerethemostwretched,pitiful,anddespairingplacesonearth.Buzzardscircledabovethecompounds,watchingandwaitingforleprosy’svictims.Thecolonieswereplaceswheremen,women,andchildren,tornawayfromtheirfamiliesbythiscurseddisease,weresenttodiebyslowdegree,sufferingfrominfectedsores,missinglimbs,andblindnessbeforetheirultimatedemise.

Simonhadbeenafflictedwithahopelesscaseof

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leprosyforsolongthathe’dbeennicknamedSimontheleper.FaithfullyMarthabroughtSimonfood.Shewouldsetthebasketdownoutsidethecampandcalltohim.Marthaknewshemustkeepastone’sthrowawayfromheruncle.Astothebasket,itcouldneverbeusedagainby“clean”people.

Marthadidnotmindthesacrificeofhertimeandeffort.Sheenjoyedserving

people.OneachvisitshetriedtopersuadeUncleSimontogotoJesus,butherefused,certainGodhadforsakenhim.

OnonesuchvisitMarthashoutedamessagethatbroughtaglimmerofhopetoSimon.“UncleSimon,IheardthattheTeacherhealedamanfromleprosyinGalilee.”

AdesperatedesireglimmeredinSimon’sheart.Marthaadded,“IftheTeachercouldraiseLazarusafterfourdaysinthegrave,Hecouldcertainlyhealyou!GotoHim,”Marthaurged.“Hewon’tturnyouaway.”

WhenSimonreturnedtothecolonyhetoldhisfellowsuffererswhatMarthahadsaid.“IftheManhashealedandforgivenotherlepers,thenperhapsHecanhealme,too.I’mgoingtofindthisJesusandbegforcleansing.It’sworthatry.”

Somemockedhisabsurdplan,buttherewerenine,includingaSamaritan,whoinsistedongoingwithhim.AndsoapitifulparadeoflepersbeganthelongjourneynorthtowheretheyhadheardJesuswasteaching.WitheachsteptheyhopedagainsthopethatHewouldhavemercyonthem.

Atonepointthe10mennearlygaveupindespair;theywerepeltedwithstonesbyagangofyouths,cursingandshouting,“Lepers!Dirtylepers!CursedofGod.”Unwittinglythebandoflepershadventuredtooclosetooneofthetownsalongtheway.

WhenthelepersfinallyfoundJesusandHisdisciples,

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HewasmakingHiswayintoasmallfishingvillage.ForbiddentoapproachtheTeacherandHisentourage,SimoncalledouttoHimfromthebrowofanearbyhill,“Jesus!Master,havemercyonus!”

Theothers,whohadcoweredbehindtheirleader,joinedinthepleadingchorus,“Jesus!Master,havemercyonus!”

Onceagain,demonstratingHisamazingloveandpatience,Jesustoldthem,“Go,showyourselvestothepriests.”

Atfirsttheywereperplexedbythisorder.Theyhadalreadybeeninspectedbythepriestanddeclaredlepers.ButinfaithSimonturnedtocarryouttheMaster’scommand.Theotherninedidthesame.Astheyturnedtheyfeltasurgeofvitalityandstrengthflashthroughtheirbodies.Andinaninstanttheblindeyeswerehealed,soresdisappeared,evenmissingtoesandfingerspoppedintoplace.Everytraceofleprosyvanishedfromthemall!

They’dbeensetfree!LeapingandpraisingGod,theyrushedtowardtheTempletofindthepriestswhocoulddeclarethemhealed.Inhisexcitement

SimonglancedattheothermenastheyranandrealizedthattheSamaritanwasnolongerwiththem.Simonfiguredthatsincethepriestwouldn’tpronounceaSamaritanclean,themanhadchosentogohometoSamaria.Itwasn’tuntillaterSimondiscoveredthattheSamaritanwastheonlyoneoftheirgroupwhohadreturnedtothankJesusforhishealing.JesuscommendedtheSamaritanfordoingso.

Convictedofhisowningratitude,UncleSimonwantedtodosomethinggrandiosetodemonstratehisappreciationtoJesus.WhenheheardthatJesushadcometoJerusalemforthePassover,Simondecided

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tohonorJesuswithalavishfeast.HewouldinviteHisdisciples,too,andofcourse,theleadersinthecommunity.AndwhowouldbebettertocaterSimon’sfeastthanhisnieceMartha?

IntheBethanykitchenMarthacontinuedherculinarypreparationsinafranticyetorganizedway.Likeeveryoneelse,Marymarveledhowheroldersisterwasabletoaccomplishsomuch.

Aweaverbytrade,MarthaproducedthebestandbrightestwoolcarpetsinJerusalem.MaryenjoyedwatchingMartha’shandsflyacrosstheloomwithmeticuloustightperfectiononeverywarpandwoof.Infact,shortlyafterbefriendingJesus,Maryhadhelpedhersisterweaveafine,sturdy,seamlessrobeforJesus.Shehadneverseenamorebeautifulcombinationofcolorsinanyfabric.MarysurmisedthatitmusthavebeenarobelikethisthatthepatriarchJacobhadgiventohissonJoseph.

Fromthetimesheroseeachmorningtothemomentshedroppedofftosleepeachnight,Marthawasadynamoofactivity.MarywouldsmileasshenotedhowMartha’skineticenergymadehersquirmandfidgetinthesynagogueeachSabbathasshetriedtositstillandlistentotherabbireadfromtheScriptures.

However,Martha’sgiftforleadershipandherboundlessenergyhadalsobeenwhathadintimidatedandfrightenedoffmalesuitorsovertheyears.WhileMarthawouldneveradmitit,Marysadlyknewhersisterwaswrestlingwiththesecretfearofdyinganoldmaid,ofneverknowingamanornursingababyatherbreast.

MarthawhiskedbyMaryandJesusagain,exceptthistimesheforcedasmiletowardJesusandglaredatheryoungersister.Maryunderstoodtheunspoken

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message:Getupandhelpme.Can’tyouseehowbusyIam?

Please,notnow!Marydirectedhersilentplea,communicatingwithfacialexpressions,thatonlysiblingscaninterpret.Thediscipleshadgoneout,andJesus’conversationwithMaryhadgrownmoreintense.ShesensedHewaspreparingtosharesomethingofvitalimportancewithher.

Ofcourse,Jesusknewtheywouldsoonbeinterruptedagain,andMarymusthearHismessage.TheTeacherleanedforward,Hiseyessaddened.“Mary,theSonofManisgoingtobebetrayedintothehandsofmen,andtheywillkillHim.AfterHeiskilled,Hewillrisethethirdday.”

Morethanoncebefore,MaryhadoverheardJesusmakethisstatementtoHisdisciples,butthose12menwhohadfollowedHimformorethanthreeyearsneverseemedalarmed.ItwasasiftheythoughtJesuswasspeakinginaparableagain.ButMarynowunderstoodwhattheydidnot—Jesuswasdeliberatelybeingasplainandliteralaspossible.

SheknewHehadagrowingnumberofenemiesthatwouldnotrestuntilHewasdead.SherememberedhearingJohntheBaptistrefertoJesusasthe“LambofGodthattakesawaythesinoftheworld.”Didn’tHisfriendsknow?Didn’ttheyunderstandthatthedesignatedlambintheTemplerituals,theonethattakesawaythesinsofthepeople,alwaysdies?

AsMarysatatJesus’feetthedevastatingtruthofHisstatementpiercedherheartlikeaRomanspear.SoonJesuswoulddieforhersinsandforthesinsoftheworld.TearswelledupinMary’seyesandtrickleddownherface.AsHestudiedhereyes,Hesearchedhersoul.JustassheknewHewouldbe

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dyingforher,JesusknewthatMaryaloneunderstoodHismission.Afewmomentsofsilencepassedassheprocessedthestaggeringmagnitude

ofthistruth.ItwasatthispointthatMarthawassimmeringinthekitchen,agitatedbyheryoungersister’singratitude.HowcouldMarybesorude?Themostprominentpeopleintownwouldsoonbeatthisdinner.RegardlessofMartha’sefficiency,therewerecountlessthingslefttodoinpreparation.SheandLazarushadfreelytakenMaryinandforgivenherdisgracefulpast.Theleasthersistercoulddowasshowalittleappreciationbyhelpinginthekitchen!

Marthanoticedthelullintheirconversationanddecidedtoprotesthersister’slackofpropriety.TheagitatedwomandirectedherremarkstowardJesus.Ifshecouldn’tgetMarytolisten,surelyheryoungersisterwouldobeyJesus.

“Lord...”Marthatappedherfootonthefloorwithherarmsfoldedinirritation.“DoYounotcarethatmysisterhasleftmetoservealone?Therefore

pleasetellhertohelpme”(Luke10:40).Jesus’replywasnotwhatMarthaexpected.“Martha,Martha.”Hisvoicewas

filledwithloveandpatientsympathy.“Youareworriedandtroubledaboutmanythings.Butonethingisneeded,andMaryhaschosenthatgoodpart,whichwillnotbetakenawayfromher”(verses41,42).Atfirststunned,Marthafeltherfaceflarewithembarrassmentandshame.ShetoohadwantedtositasMarydidandcommunewithJesus.ShetoohadathousandquestionstoaskofhergentleGuest,butfearthatJesuswouldseethroughheroutershellofcomposureandcatchaglimpseoftheseverelonelinesswithinkeptheraloof.

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Martha’scamouflageofconstantactivitykeptherdistractedfromherownsinsandheartache.Preoccupiedwithoutwardaesthetics,Marthadidn’trealizehowmuchhersisterrequiredpersonaltimewithJesus.Maryhadbeensoeasilyovercomeinthepast,shedesperatelyneededthisinstructionfromJesustogainstrengthagainsttemptation.WithoutanotherwordMarthaloweredherheadandreturnedtoherchores.

HereyesfixedonJesus,Marygraduallyrosetoherfeet.Insteadofmovingtowardthekitchen,shemadeforherownsmallroom,wheresheretrievedhermoneybagandslippedoutthefrontdoor.MaryunderstoodfromwhatJesussaidandthewayHesaiditthatshedidnothavemuchtimeleft.Shemustfindagiftfitforaking.

TheStudy

(Warning:Donotskipthisnextstudy!Itmayseemabitdeep,butitisessentialtocomprehendingtheessenceofthegospel!Violatorswillbetowedawayatowner’sexpense!)

LUKE10:38-42“NowithappenedastheywentthatHeenteredacertainvillage;anda

certainwomannamedMarthawelcomedHimintoherhouse.AndshehadasistercalledMary,whoalsosatatJesus’feetandheardHisword.ButMarthawasdistractedwithmuchserving,andsheapproachedHimandsaid,‘Lord,doYounotcarethatmysisterhasleftmetoservealone?Thereforetellhertohelpme.’AndJesusansweredandsaidtoher,‘Martha,Martha,youareworriedandtroubledaboutmanythings.Butonethingisneeded,andMaryhaschosenthatgoodpart,whichwillnotbetakenawayfromher.’”

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WORKFORTHELORDTherearetwobasicandcrucialissuesinthispassage.Theymustbe

examinedintheproperorder.Oneis“workingfortheLord,”andtheotheris“arelationshipwiththeLord.”Toconfuseormisunderstandtherightfulplaceofthesetwoprinciplescanbeeternallydevastating!

1.WedonotworkfortheLordtobesavedoraccepted.WeworkforHimbecausewearesavedandbecauseweareaccepted.

2.WecanbesavedonlythroughtherelationshipthatgrowsfromsittingatHisfeetandhearingtheWord.

Marthawascumberedwithmuchserving.ButservingtheLordisneverasubstituteforreallyknowingHim.JesussaidinMatthew7:22,23:“Manywillsaytomeinthatday,Lord,Lord,havewenotprophesiedinthyname?andinthynamehavecastoutdevils?andinthynamedonemanywonderfulworks?AndthenwillIprofessuntothem,Ineverknewyou:departfromme,yethatworkiniquity”(KJV).

ItispossibletodogoodworksforJesuswithouthavingasavingrelationshipwithHim.TheLordwarnedthatmanywillmakethefatalmistakeofthinkingthatgoodworksguaranteesalvation.GenuineserviceforGodspringsfromagenuineknowledgeofGod.AndthisknowledgeofGodistheessenceofsalvation.

“Thisiseternallife,thattheymayknowYou,theonlytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomYouhavesent”(John17:3).

“Mypeoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge”(Hosea4:6).OncewereallyknowGod,thegoodworkswillfollow.TheBibleisclear

thatwearenotsavedbyour

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works,butwewillbejudgedandrewardedaccordingtoourworks.“Andthedeadwerejudgedaccordingtotheirworks,bythethingswhichwerewritteninthebooks”(Rev.20:12).“Andbehold,Iamcomingquickly,andMyrewardiswithMe,togivetoeveryoneaccordingtohiswork”(Rev.22:12).

ManywillclaimtoknowGod,buttheirworkswillrevealadifferentstory.“TheyprofesstoknowGod,butinworkstheydenyHim,beingabominable,disobedient,anddisqualifiedforeverygoodwork”(Titus1:16).“Hewhosays,

‘IknowHim,’anddoesnotkeepHiscommandments,isaliar,andthetruthisnotinhim”(1John2:4).

JesusadvisedinMatthew7:20:“Thereforebytheirfruitsyouwillknowthem.”

Maryhadfarmoreheartknowledgethanheadknowledge.AnyPhariseecouldhavequicklybewilderedherwithdoctrinaldetails,butwhenitcametoknowingtheLord,Maryhadherblackbelt.

DEVOTIONSTheimportanceofpersonaldevotionsandchurchattendanceisoften

underestimated.ItispossibletobesobusydoingtheworkoftheLordthatweforgettheLordofthework.Or,likeMartha,becomesobusyworkingfortheLord,thatweneverreallygettoknowHim.

JesusestablishedanorderofprioritybetweenfaithandworkswithHisstatementinLuke10:41,42:“Martha,Martha,youareworriedandtroubledaboutmanythings.Butonethingisneeded,andMaryhaschosenthatgoodpart,whichwillnotbetakenawayfromher.”

Whatwasthe“onething”thatJesuswasspeakingabout?Itwasthe“onething”Hesaidtherich

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youngrulerwaslacking.“ThenJesus,lookingathim,lovedhim,andsaidtohim,‘Onethingyoulack’”(Mark10:21).

It’sthesameonethingHealwaysemphasized:GivingGodfirstplace;seekingaknowledgeoftheLordthatresultsinasavingfaith.Onethingisneeded;withoutthat“onething”allthegoodworksintheworldcannotsaveaflea.

“ButwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseHim”(Heb.11:6).“Forbygraceyouhavebeensavedthroughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notofworks,lestanyoneshouldboast”(Eph.2:8,9).

JesussaidthattheonlygoodworkthatcansaveusistobelieveinHim!“Jesusansweredandsaidtothem,‘ThisistheworkofGod,thatyoubelieveinHimwhomHesent’”(John6:29).

WearesavedbyfaithinGod,butreal,savingfaithinGodwillresultonlyafterweknowGod,andinturntrustHim.

Letmeillustrate.Ifatotalstrangerwalkeduptomeintheairportand

handedmeacheckfor$1million,Iwouldbemoresuspiciousthanhappy.Notknowingtheindividual,Iwouldquestionifthiswasaprankoracon.Imightwonderifthepersonhadjustescapedfromamentalinstitution.Iwouldcertainlyhaveseriousdoubtsaboutthevalueofthecheck.Why?BecauseIdon’tknowtheperson.Ontheotherhand,Ihaveafewfriendswhoaremillionaires.Shouldoneofthemhandmeacheckfor$1million,Iwouldbevery,veryexcited.What’sthedifference?Knowingthemgivesmefaithintheirpromises.

Likewise,faithinGodfollowsknowingGod.AndhowdoIcometoknowGod?KnowledgeofandfaithinGodcomeprimarilythroughreadingHis

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Word.“Sothenfaithcomesbyhearing,andhearingbythewordofGod”(Rom.10:17).

Thissimplesequenceofthree-pointlogic,ifunderstood,changeslives.1.WecannotobeytheLordunlessweloveHim.“IfyouloveMe,keepMy

commandments”(John14:15).2.WecannotlovetheLordunlessweknowHim.3.AndwecannotknowtheLordunlesswespendregulartimewithHim,at

Hisfeet,learningwhoHereallyis.Everyloverelationshiprevolvesaroundqualitytime,timespent

communicating,talking,andlistening.Whenwepray,wetalktoGod.WhenwereadourBiblesorlistentothespokenWord,Godtalkstous.Hence,thereistwo-waycommunication.

THEWORDFIRSTAsMaryfound,sittingatJesus’feetandhearingtheWordbecomesapriority

foreverySpirit-filledChristian.Theapostlesactedonthisprincipleofprioritywhentheyordainedthesevendeacons.“Thenthetwelvecalledthemultitudeofthedisciplesuntothem,andsaid,ItisnotreasonthatweshouldleavethewordofGod,andservetables.Wherefore,brethren,lookyeoutamongyousevenmenofhonestreport,fulloftheHolyGhostandwisdom,whomwemayappointoverthisbusiness.Butwewillgiveourselvescontinuallytoprayer,andtotheministryoftheword”(Acts6:2-4,KJV).

Simplyput,theWordmustbemoreimportantthanthework.TheworkoftheLordwillneverflourishuntiltheWordoftheLordhaspreeminenceinthe

heartsofHispeople.Ifamanhasaheartattackandtheparamedicsarrive

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andbeginbywashinghisface,filinghisfingernails,andcombinghishairinsteadofadministeringCPR,hewillprobablydie.Or,trytoreviveadehydratedplantbywipingthedustofftheleavesinsteadofwateringitsroots.

SomanytimesIhavesatontheplatformduringachurchserviceorcampmeeting,eagerlywaitingtopreachtheWord,watchingaseeminglyendlessparadeofannouncements,preliminaries,fanfare,and“specialfeatures”devourtheprecioustimethatshouldbededicatedtotheproclamationoftheWord.BythetimeIfinallyopenmyBibletoexpoundGod’sWord,manyinthecongregationarerestlessandirritable,alreadyeyeingtheirwatches,readytoleave.Otherpeople,sufferingfromlowbloodsugar,areunabletocomprehendwhatIamsayinganyway.TheLordisgivenourmentalleftovers,alameofferingofourattention.

Asimportantastheyare,churchannouncements,specialmusic,babydedications,yes,evenbaptismsandtheCommunionservice,shouldneverreplaceoreclipsethereadingofthesacredWord.

MANNAINTHEMORNINGMorningisthebesttimeforgettingtoknowGod.Thisprinciplewasdeeply

impresseduponthechildrenofIsraelbyHisdailygiftofmanna.Theangelfoodcakeraineddownfromheavenearlyinthemorning,sixdaysaweek,for40years.Ifonewaitedtoolongtogatherit,themannawouldevaporateintheheatofthedesertsun.“Andtheygatherediteverymorning,everymanaccordingtohiseating:andwhenthesunwaxedhot,itmelted”(Ex.16:21,KJV).

Likewise,ifwewaittoolongforourspiritualdevotions,

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thecaresandpressuresofthedaywillgetourattentionbeforetheLorddoes.Thebusierweareandthemorewehavetodo,themoreweneedtotaketimetopray.Let’snotallowthemannatomelt.

Jesus,ourexample,practicedmorningdevotions.“Andinthemorning,risingupagreatwhilebeforeday,hewentout,anddepartedintoasolitaryplace,andthereprayed”(Mark1:35,KJV).

AsfamousevangelistCharlesSpurgeonwellsaid:“Themorningisthegateoftheday,anditshouldbewellguardedwithprayer.Itisoneendofthethreadonwhichtheday’sactionsarestrung,andshouldbewellknottedwithdevotion.Ifwefeltthemajestyoflifeweshouldbemorecarefulofitsmornings.

“Hewhorushesfromhisbedtohisbusinessandwaitethnottoworshipisasfoolishasthoughhehadnotputonhisclothes,orcleansedhisface,andasunwiseasthoughhehaddashedintobattlewithoutarmsorarmor.BeitourstobatheinthesoftlyflowingriverofcommunionwithGod,beforetheheatofthewildernessandtheburdenofthedaybeginstooppress.”

BIBLEBREADSpiritualfoodisjustasessentialasphysicalfood.Ifwearelateforworkand

mustchoosebetweenabowlofraisinbranorpersonaldevotions,manymightfeeltheirquiettimewithGodisexpendable.Asimportantasfibermaybetoourwell-being,itwillnotkeepusfromsinwhentemptationcomes.

“Ihaveesteemedthewordsofhismouthmorethanmynecessaryfood”(Job23:12,KJV).“Thywordswerefound,andIdideatthem”(Jer.15:16,KJV).Whenwepray“Giveusthisdayourdailybread,”itappliesmoretothespiritualbreadthanthe

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bakedvariety(Matt.6:11).WhenJesuswastemptedinthewildernessaftera40-dayfast,Hetoldthedevil,“Itiswritten,Thatmanshallnotlivebybreadalone,butbyeverywordofGod”(Luke4:4,KJV).

Wecannotdependonotherstofeedusspiritually.MatureChristiansmustlearntobaketheirown“Biblebread.”

Ifyou’veevervisitedYellowstoneNationalPark,youwereprobablygivenapieceofpaperbyarangerattheparkentrance.Printedinbigletterswasthewarning“DoNotFeedtheBears.”Butnosoonerdidyoudriveintotheheartoftheparkthanyousawpeopleeverywherefeedingthebears.

Atouristaskedaparkranger,“Whybotherwiththewarningsandtheroadsigns?”Therangeranswered,“Thetouristshaveonlyasmallpartofthepicture.”Hetoldhow,inwinter,theparkservicepersonnelmustdrivearoundtheparkwithabackhoetocarryawaythefrozenbodiesofdeadbears—bearswhohavestarvedbecausetheycouldn’tfeedthemselves.Theyhadbecomesousedtodiningonthedoughnutsandgoodiesofferedbywell-meaningtouriststhattheyhadlosttheabilitytohuntrealfoodastheCreatordesigned.Whenthe

parkclosedforthewinterandtheywerelefttotheirowndevisings,theystarvedtodeath.

POWERFOODIcan’texplainit,butspiritualfoodseemedtogiveJesusnotonlyspiritual

strengthbutphysicalstrengthaswell.John4:31,32says,“Inthemeanwhilehisdisciplesprayedhim,saying,Master,eat.Buthesaiduntothem,Ihavemeattoeatthatyeknownotof”(KJV).

Elijahreceivedsupernaturalphysicalstrength

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fromeatingtheheavenlybreadanangelprepared.“AndtheangeloftheLordcameagainthesecondtime,andtouchedhim,andsaid,Ariseandeat;becausethejourneyistoogreatforthee.Andhearose,anddideatanddrink,andwentinthestrengthofthatmeatfortydaysandfortynightsuntoHorebthemountofGod”(1Kings19:7,8,KJV).

ByawakeningalittleearliertohavemoredevotionaltimewithGod,youmayfindthatyouhaveincreasedphysicalandmentalenergythroughoutthedayaswell.Toresistthedailytemptationsthatassailus,weneedthesamesecretweaponJesusused.ItisdescribedinEphesians6:17:“Take...theswordoftheSpirit,whichisthewordofGod.”

JESUSINMEAmotherandher3-year-olddaughterwereridinginacarwhensuddenlythe

littlegirlputherheadonhermother’schestandbegantolisten.“Whatareyoudoing?”Momasked.“I’mlisteningforJesusinyourheart”wasthereply.“Well,whatdoyouhear?”Theinnocentchildlookedupwithalookofperplexityinhereyesandsaid,

“SoundstomelikeHe’smakingcoffee!”ChristiansnotonlyhavethepromisethatJesuswillbewithustotheend

(Matt.28:20),butHewantstoabideinusaswell.Howdoweavailourselvesofthispromise?“ThywordhaveIhidinmineheart,thatImightnotsinagainstthee”(Ps.119:11,KJV).InasmuchasJesusistheWord,itwouldbesafetosaythatJesusHimselfisthesecretweapon!WhenwespendmoretimewithJesus

throughprayerandBiblestudy,wewillknowHimbetterandthereforeloveHimmore.Hewillabideinourthoughtsand

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heart.Justasournaturalreactionistotalkaboutthosewelove,soitwillbecomemorenaturalforustotalktoothersaboutourLord.Asamuscleisstrengthenedbyactivity,sowhenweshareJesuswithothersourownfaithwillbecomestronger.

Morelove,morewitnessing,moresurrender,moreenergyequallessdiscouragementandlessdepression.Allthisisadirectchainreactionthatcomesfromusingthesecretweaponofpersonaldevotions.

AllofusdesperatelyneedandwantJesusabidinginourhearts.HowdowegetHimthere?SinceanothernameforJesusistheWord,inreadingtheWordwearedirectlyinvitingJesusintoourheartsandmindsandlives:“Christinyou,thehopeofglory”(Col.1:27).

BIBLICALLYILLITERATEOneofthesinglemostimportantthingswecandotoexperienceapersonal

andcorporaterevivalinourlivesistoheartheWord.ButinrecentyearsIhavebecomeincreasinglyalarmedattheappallingignoranceofScriptureIhaveobservedinthechurchesandChristianschoolsIhavevisited.

ThefollowingisalistofsomeofthemorehumorousanswersgivenbystudentsregardingbasicBiblequestions:

1.Lot’swifewasapillarofsaltbydayandaballoffirebynight.2.MoseswenttothetopofMountCyanidetogettheTenCommandments.3.Theseventhcommandmentis“Thoushaltnotadmitadultery.”4.JoshualedtheHebrewsinthebattleofGeritol.5.JesuswasbornbecauseMaryhadanimmaculatecontraption.

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6.ThepeoplewhofollowedJesuswerecalledthe12decibels.7.Theepistleswerethewivesoftheapostles.8.OneoftheopossumswasSaintMatthew.9.DavidfoughttheFrankinsteins,araceofpeoplewholivedinbiblical

times.

10.AChristianshouldhaveonlyonewife.Thisiscalledholymonotony.Unfortunatelythesecomicalresponsesfromthechildrenreflectaserious

intrinsicspiritualfamineamongtheadults.

SPIRITUALANDPHYSICALLAWSEarlyinmyChristianexperienceImetamanwhofirmlyimpressedupon

mymindthistruth.OnedayasIwalkeddownthestreetIheardhisthree-wheeledbicyclesqueakupbehindme.AmongtheyoungpeopleinPalmSprings,California,BrotherHaroldwasalivinglegend,a70-year-oldJewishChristianwhoknewhowto“walkthetalk.”

BrotherHarold’sdaybeganat4:00a.m.withtwohoursofBiblestudyandprayer,followedbyafewhoursonthestreethandingouttracts.Afterthathewasofftothehospital,whereheservedasaself-appointedchaplain.Hewouldvisitpatientsintheirroomsandshareanencouragingscriptureortwo,allfrommemory.IwillneverforgethowhisvoicequiveredwithjoyandhisfaceshonewheneverhequotedtheBible.

Iwasanewconvert,about17,andstrugglingtoseparatemyformerhippie,EasternphilosophyfromthetruthsoftheBible.Actually,IwasfeelingabitlikeafailureasaChristian.

BrotherHaroldmetmethatmorningwith“WhatagloriousdayGodhasgivenus.”(BrotherHaroldwasalwaysso“up.”)

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“Yeah,niceday,”Iresponded.Hedetectedsomethingmissingfrommyvoice.“Howlongcanyouhold

yourbreath,Doug?”BrotherHaroldaskedwithatwinkleinhiseye.Whatastrangequestion.Irememberedplayingalittlegameinschool,

holdingmybreathwhilewaitingforthebelltoring.Ihadbecomeprettygoodatit.

Ilaughedathis“leftfield”question.“IcanholdmybreathforfourminutesifIhyperventilatefirst.”

“Then,son,youshouldnotgoanylongerthanfourminuteswithoutpraying,”hequipped.“‘Praywithoutceasing.’FirstThessalonians5:17.”HisvoicequiveredwithdeepreverencefortheScriptures.

“Howoftendoyoueat?”heaskednext.NowIunderstoodwherehewasheading.“Abouttwoorthreetimesaday,”I

slowlyanswered.“Well,that’showoftenyoushouldreadormeditateonGod’sWord.”He

pausedforamoment,thencontinued.“Doug,whatwouldhappentoyourbodyifyouneverexercised?”

“IguessIwouldgetweakandflabby.”“Samethinghappenstoyourfaithifyoudon’tuseit,”hesaid.Ashepedaledhisbikeawayhecalledoverhisshoulder,“Thesamelawsthat

applytoyourphysicalbodyalsoapplytoyourspiritualhealth.”IknewBrotherHaroldhadjustputhisfingeronmygreatestneed.Iwas

neglectingtosit,likeMary,atJesus’feetandheartheWord.TheWordofGodisourbreadtonourish,ourswordtodefendandconquer,andthelighttoguideustoglory.

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A

CHAPTERFOUR

ATJESUS’FEETINSACRIFICE:

SIMON’SFEASTTheStory

fterleavingMartha’shouse,MaryhurriedthetwomilesintoJerusalemtoastreetwherethefinershopswerelocated.Shehadbecomesoabsorbedin

findingtheperfectgiftforJesusthatitonlynowoccurredtoherthatthiswasherfirstreturntotheholycitysincethatextraordinarydaywhenJesushadsavedherfrombeingstonedtodeath.

JustasMarywasponderingthisthought,shesawoneofherformerclients,alawyer.Theattorneywaswalkingslowlydownthenarrowstreetinherdirection.Themanwasevidentlybeingtowedalong,likeanoxwitharinginhisnose,byhiswife,whowasleisurelyshopping.AmomentofpanicseizedMaryasmemoriesofhersordidpastfloodedthroughhermind.Beforeshecouldduckintooneoftheshops,thelawyerlookedrightatherwithouttheslightestindicationthatherecognizedher.

That’swhenitoccurredtoMarythatshenolongerworethepaintandseductivetrappingsofaprostitute.Yettherewassomethingmore.Marywasdifferentontheinsideaswell.FriendsandfamilyhadcommentedthatsinceshehadbecomeadiscipleofJesussheglowedwithaninnerlight.

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OverwhelmedbyafreshappreciationforJesusandallHehaddoneforher,MaryredirectedherattentiontofindingaworthygiftfortheMaster.Ifnecessary,shewouldemptyherpursetopayforit.ThemoneyshehadsavedfromherformerlifeandfromsellingherplaceinMagdalaamountedtoasubstantialsum,butitwasaconstantreminderofthewagesofsin.Marydeterminedtospendallofitthatday,ifnecessary,inpurchasinganoblepresentasanofferingtotheLord.

Astheformerprostituteexaminedarackoffinepurplecloth,shebecameawareofarichandrarefragrancepermeatingtheairandgentlycaressinghersenses.Itcamefromtheapothecaryshopacrossthenarrowcobblestonestreet.Shereleasedtheroyalpurplefabricanddriftedtothespotwheretheperfumerwaspouringthelastfewdropsoftheenchantingessencefromamixingbowl

intoabeautiful,ornate,whitealabasterflask.TherareandpleasingaromadrewothershoppersandPassoverpilgrimstotheshopentrancelikebeestoanectarladenflower.

“Whatisthatincredibleperfume?”oneofthefemaleshoppersaskedwithasoundofaweandreverenceinhervoice.

“This,mydear”—theshopownerhelduptheexquisitebottleforalltosee—“ismyownspecialmixtureofspikenardandmyrrh.IconcoctedtheformulafromtheonedescribedintheSongofSolomon.”

Hewaxedeloquenttothegatheringcrowdofshoppers.“OnlyonceayearthecaravansfromShebabringmeenoughoftherightmaterialstofillasingleflask.Infact”—hepausedandthecrowdleanedforwardtohearhissuddenlysecretivemessage—“lastyearPilatepurchasedmyflaskandsentitasagifttoCaesar.Butthis

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year’smixture,”themanpausedagain,holdingupthebeautifulengravedjar,“ismybestever!”

Oohsandaahsrippledthroughthegrowingcrowd.Feelingasifshewerebeingpushedbyangels,Marypressedherwayforwardandasked,“Howmuchdoesitcost?”

Themaneyedtheslenderyoungwomandressedincommonclothesandchuckled.“Younglady,itwouldtakeayear’swagestobuyagiftlikethis!”

Maryhelduphermoneybagforhimtoseeandaskedagain,“Howmuch?”Theperfumespecialist’seyesnarrowedgreedilyatthebulgingleathersack.

Hisexpressiongrewmoreserious.Afterthinkingforamoment,heannounced,“Threehundredfiftydenarii.”

Thecrowdgaspedatthesteeppricefortheperfume.Marysighed,thensmiledsweetly.Shewasaccustomedtodickeringwith

greedymen.“Ihave300denarii.Youcanmakeanimmediatesale!”Themerchantwasstunnedthatawomanofherdemeanorwouldbecarrying

somuch,butheheldhisground.“I’msorry,dearwoman,”hesaid,“butImakeonlyoneoftheseayearand...”

Marydidn’twanttohearhisexplanation.“ThisistobeagiftforJesusofNazareth.”

ThemansteppedbackandstudiedMary’sfacethoughtfullyforaminute.Thecrowdpressedclosertohearhisreply.

“DidyousayJesusofNazareth?”Marynodded.Amaninthecrowdblurtedout,“ManysayHeisthesonofDavidandwill

reignasournewking.”Therewasalongpauseasthebystandersbecameemotionallyinvolvedin

thenegotiationsandwatched

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theshopowner’sface.Thenhiseyestwinkled,andthewizardofperfumesandointmentssmiledatMaryandsaid,“Allright.Itwillbeanhonortosellyoumyperfumefor300denariitoanointournewking.”

Thecrowdapplaudedinapproval.Fearfulthattheperfumechemistmightchangehismind,Maryquicklyemptiedthecontentsofherpurseontohisworkbench.Beforehecouldfinishcountingthemoneyshescoopedupthebeautiful,newlysealedflask,closedhereyes,andinhaledthelingeringfragrance.

“Thankyou,”shebreathedastheawedcrowdofshoppersclearedapathwayforher.“AndmaytheLordblessyou,”shecalledoverhershoulder.

“Shalom,”theapothecarymerchantreplied.Maryhurriedtowardhome,carefullycradlinghernewacquisitionwithboth

hands.WhenshearrivedatMarthaandLazarus’homeinBethany,everyonehadalreadyleftforUncleSimon’shouse.Quicklychangingintoacleandress,sheplacedthewhitealabasterflaskinherbagandheadedoutthedoor.Atthedoorstepshepausedthoughtfully,thenreturnedtoherroomtoretrieveherothermostpreciouspossession.SoonherfeetflewoverthecobblestonestreetstoSimon’shouse.

Thehourforthemuch-celebratedfeasthadcome.Theentirevillagewasbuzzingwithexcitement.Throughouttheafternoon,curiousonlookerslingeredneartheentrancetoUncleSimon’scourtyard,hopingtogetaglimpseoftheManwhocouldraisethedeadandheallepers.

Becauseofthepublicityalreadyconnectedwiththeupcomingdinner,JesushadchosentoretreattotheGardenofGethsemaneforsomequiettimewithHisdisciples.AnatmosphereofsolemnintensityhadsurroundedJesusduringthepastfewdays.Heseemed

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eagertoseizeeveryopportunitytobealonewiththe12,toinstructtheminthe

codeofHiskingdom.Eventhedisciplessensedthatsomethingmonumentalwasabouttotranspire.

SecretlytheyhopedthatJesuswasabouttomakeHismoveanduseHissupernaturalpowerstooverthrowtheRomanEmpireandseatHimselfonDavid’sthrone.WhatbettertimethanthePassoverweektoestablishHisnewkingdom,theyreasoned,whentensofthousandsofloyalJewishpilgrimswouldbeinJerusalemtojointheranksofthenewarmy?

ThetopicofJesus’earthlyrulealwaysledthedisciplesintoemotionaldiscussionsregardingwhoshouldholdthehighestpositionsofthenewgovernment.TheonlythingtheycouldeveragreeuponwasthatJudasshouldbethetreasurerinthenewcabinet.

Judashadamoreformaleducationthantheotherdisciplesandwasthereforehighlyrespectedbyhispeers.Hehadbeenascribe,who,afterwitnessingoneofJesus’miraclesofhealing,approachedtheMasterandsaid,“Teacher,IwillfollowYouwhereverYougo.”

They’dallbeensurprisedwhenJesus,asifcautioninghimagainstfalsehopesforworldlygain,said,“Foxeshaveholesandbirdsoftheairhavenests,buttheSonofManhasnowheretolayHishead”(Luke9:58).Despitethecrypticanswer,Judas’ambitioncompelledhimtofollowtheTeacher.Clever,JudasmadeitapointtomaneuverhimselfquietlysoastobeneartheLorduntilhewasconsideredoneofJesus’disciples.Itwasn’tlongaftertheformerscribejoinedthegroupthattheother11votedheshouldcarrytheirmeagermoneypurse.

ButJudasmadeMaryuncomfortable.Ifnothingelse,theformerprostituteknewhowtoreaddeceptive

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men.Shediscernedsomethingdeviousabouthisconduct.Judassensedthatshecouldreadhimandwas,therefore,neveroverlykindtoMary.

OfallJesus’disciples,Matthewwasthemostsensitiveandunderstandingofthewoman.Hehimself,aformerpublican,knewwhatitwasliketobeoneofsociety’soutcasts.HecouldidentifywithMary’sappreciationforJesus’mercy.

WhenMaryarrivedatthefeast,MarthahadjustfinishedseatingJesusandtheguestsinSimon’scourtyard.ShecouldtellthatJudaswasobviouslyinsultedthatJesus,Lazarus,andSimonwereattheheadofthetable,whilehehadbeenseatedatthefootwithsomeofthelessnotableguests.EvenJohn,theyoungestofthegroup,wasnearertheheadofthetable.MarycouldsensethatJudaswas

trying,unsuccessfully,tohidehisoffendedpride.Yetitdidn’ttakemuchtoseethatthemanwasindignantandbrooding.

ThenJesus,observinghowJudasandsomeoftheguestsviedforthebestplacesatthetables,gavealittlehomily.“Whenyouareinvitedbyanyonetoaweddingfeast,donotsitdowninthebestplace,lestonemorehonorablethanyoubeinvitedbyhim;andhewhoinvitedyouandhimcomeandsaytoyou,‘Giveplacetothisman,’andthenyoubeginwithshametotakethelowestplace.

“Butwhenyouareinvited,goandsitdowninthelowestplace,sothatwhenhewhoinvitedyoucomeshemaysaytoyou,‘Friend,gouphigher.’Thenyouwillhavegloryinthepresenceofthosewhositatthetablewithyou.Forwhoeverexaltshimselfwillbehumbled,andhewhohumbleshimselfwillbeexalted”(Luke14:8-11).

EventhoughJesusgavethissubtlerebukeinageneralformat,Judas’facereddened,revealinghe’d

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feltthesting.Hebelievedhehadbeensingledoutandhadnowbecomeevenmoreincensed.

MeanwhileMary,anxiouslywatchingforamomentalonewithJesussoastogiveHimherpresent,realizedthatifshewasgoingtomakethepresentationbeforeHisenemiesarrestedHimshewouldhavetoactsoon.AndyetMaryknewthatpresentinghergiftatthisverypubliceventcouldcauseaspectacleandmightdefinitelybemisunderstood.Whileshewasponderingwhatsheshoulddo,Jesusbegantoshareanotherlesson.

ThistimeJesusdirectedHiscommentstoSimon:“Whenyougiveadinnerorasupper,donotaskyourfriends,yourbrothers,yourrelatives,norrichneighbors,lesttheyalsoinviteyouback,andyouberepaid.Butwhenyougiveafeast,invitethepoor,themaimed,thelame,theblind.Andyouwillbeblessed,becausetheycannotrepayyou;foryoushallberepaidattheresurrectionofthejust”(verses12-14).

WhenoneofthescribeswhosatatthetablewithHimheardthesethings,hesaidwithapiousair,“BlessedishewhoshalleatbreadinthekingdomofGod!”(verse15).ThenJesussaidtohim,“Acertainmangaveagreatsupperandinvitedmany,andsenthisservantatsuppertimetosaytothosewhowereinvited,‘Come,forallthingsarenowready.’

“Buttheyallwithoneaccordbegantomakeexcuses.Thefirstsaidtohim,‘Ihaveboughtapieceofground,andImustgoandseeit.Iaskyoutohaveme

excused.’Andanothersaid,‘Ihaveboughtfiveyokeofoxen,andIamgoingtotestthem.Iaskyoutohavemeexcused.’

“Stillanothersaid,‘Ihavemarriedawife,andthereforeIcannotcome.’“Sothatservantcameandreportedthesethings

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tohismaster.Thenthemasterofthehouse,beingangry,saidtohisservant,‘Gooutquicklyintothestreetsandlanesofthecity,andbringinherethepoorandthemaimedandthelameandtheblind.’Andtheservantsaid,‘Master,itisdoneasyoucommanded,andstillthereisroom.’Thenthemastersaidtotheservant,‘Gooutintothehighwaysandhedges,andcompelthemtocomein,thatmyhousemaybefilled.ForIsaytoyouthatnoneofthosemenwhowereinvitedshalltastemysupper’”(verses16-24).

Anawkwardsilencefollowedthisparable,asifJesushadunveiledtheselfishattitudesofmanyoftheguests.ButthislaststorymadeMaryfeelasenseofurgency.Ifshedidnotactnow,opportunitytodemonstrateherlovefortheLordmightnevercomeagain.Itwasnowornever.Hercourageousheartpounded;herpalmssweated.

Simonhadsparednoexpenseonthisevent.Hewouldserveonlythebest.Theguestswereinrecliningpositionsandleaningagainstdiningcushions,withtheirlegsstretchedoutwardawayfromthetable.Theysatslightlyelevatedsothataservantcouldwashtheirfeetbeforethefoodwasserved.

Marthadirectedaconstantflowofservantscarryingalusciousassortmentoffoodonsilvertrays.Marysidleduptohersister.“Whyhasn’tUncleSimonfirstwashedthefeetofhisguests?”

Distracted,MarthaglaredatMary.“Wheredidyougo?Youneverdidhelpmeprepareforthisevent,andnowyoupointouttheonethingweoverlooked.”Martharolledhereyestowardtheceiling,thenadded,“Simonneglectedtoprovidethebasinsandtowels.WhatwasIsupposedtodo?”

NotwithstandingSimon’ssocialgaffe,everyoneseemedtobeenjoyingthefinecuisineandtheanimated

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conversation.“Icouldcertainlyhaveusedyourhelpthisafternoon,”theoldersisterrepeated.Spyingaservantcarryingatrayofless-than-perfectbakedbarleycakeswrappedingrapeleaves,Martharushedtostopthemanfromservingthedamagedfood.Marywatchedhersisterhustletheservantbackintothekitchen.

BecausealleyeswerefixedonJesusasHespoke,noonenoticedwhenMarysoftlyslippedintotheroomandkneltquietlybytheMaster’sfeet.Shehadbeenbreathlesswithfear,butnow,kneelingatHisfeet,afamiliarpeacesettledoverher.Shesensedshewassafe,undertheeverlastingwingsoftheAlmighty.ShesilentlyprayedthatJesuswouldapproveherdeedoflove.Whattheothersthoughtwasofnoconsequencetoher.

Then,withlovingtenderness,shebrokethesealonthealabasterflaskandpouredsomeofthecontentsofpreciousoilliberallyoverJesus’feet.Jesusdidnotevenflinch.HesimplypausedinHisdiscourse,smiledtoacknowledgetoMarythatHewasawareofheractofserviceandsacrifice,thencontinuedHisconversation.

AsthefragrantoilrandownJesus’feet,adropspilledonthetilefloor.Realizingthatinherhasteshehadforgottentobringaclothortoweltospreadtheointmentevenly,withoutasecondthoughtMaryremovedtheshawlcoveringherheadandreleasedherlong,luxuriouslyrichbrownhair.ShebeganwipingJesus’feet,spreadingtheoilwithherhair.

Tearsofgratitudeandloveflowedfreelydownhercheeks,spillingontoHisfeetandcoalescingwiththeointment.WhenshesawhertearsshiningonJesus’feet,sherememberedherothermostpreciouspossession.Drawingouttheglasstearvialfroma

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pouchinherrobe,sheremovedthewaxcapandproceededtocleanHisfeetwithhertearsanddrythemwithherhair.

Marywassoabsorbed,lostinthejoyofservingJesus,thatshewasoblivioustothestunnedreactionsoftheguestsaroundthetable.Soonaftershebrokeopenthealabasterflasktheroomfilledwiththeprofusionofcostly,exoticessence.Theconversationintheroomquietedtoatensemurmur.Eventheservantsfroze,notcertainwhattheyshoulddoaboutthesituation.

Marynowfeltthepiercingstaresofallpresent.Fearingsomeonemighttrytoprohibitherfromcompletinghermission,sheresolutelystoodandpouredtheremainingoilonJesus’head,amidgaspsofastonishmentandshock.Heract,thoughunpremeditated,wasthetraditionalsymbolamongtheJewsforthesealingandanointingofanewkingorpriest.

Judas,pretendingtobeindignant,protestedunderhisbreath,justloudenoughforthoseseatednearbytohear.“Whatatragicwasteofresources!Why,thisoilcouldhavebeensoldformorethan300denarii.”Thenasanafterthoughttocloakhisowngreedydesigns,headded,“Ofcourse,theproceedscouldhave

beendonatedtothepoor!”Someoftheotherdisciplesnoddedinagreement.WhatJudas’peersdidn’t

knowwasthathisselfishhearthadfeltkeenlyrebukedbyMary’sliberalgenerosity.

JesusheardHisfaithfuldisciplesechoJudas’murmurings.WithsadcompassionHesaidtothem,“Whydoyoutroublethewoman?ForshehasdoneagoodworkforMe.Foryouhavethepoorwithyoualways,butMe,youdonothavealways.ForinpouringthisfragrantoilonMybody,shediditforMyburial”(Matt.26:10-12).

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ThisclearstatementofJesus’approvalbroughtecstaticjoytoMary’sheart.KnowingthatJesuswaspleasedwithherwasallsheeverwanted.TheweepingwomanfellagaintoherkneesandresumedkissingHisfeet.

Judasturnedredwithresentment.Itwasbadenoughthathehadbeenseatedatthefootofthetable,butnowJesuswasopenlyrebukinghiminfrontofhispeers.IfJesusdidnotappreciatehiswisdomandtalents,Judasknewsomeonewhowould.Fromthesupperhewenttothepriests,totradetheSaviouroftheworldforcommonsilver.

Simon,ontheotherhand,wasnotsomuchoffendedbyMary’sgiftasbythegiverherself.HeknewalltoowellaboutMary’ssoiledpast,andhewasshockedthatJesuswouldletawomanwithherreputationtouchHim.Mostreligiousleaderswouldnotpermitsomuchastheshadowofapublicanorprostitutetotouchtheminpublicforfearoflosingtherespectofthepeople.

Simontightenedhislipsandfurrowedhisbrow.“Thisman,”Simonthoughtwithinhimself,“ifHewereaprophet,wouldknowwhoandwhatmannerofwomanthisiswhoistouchingHim,forsheisasinner”(Luke7:39).

JesusbroketheawkwardsilenceandansweredSimon’sthoughts:“Simon,Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou”(verse40).

Simonreplied,“Teacher,sayit”(verse40).“Therewasacertaincreditorwhohadtwodebtors.Oneowedfivehundred

denarii,andtheotherfifty.Andwhentheyhadnothingwithwhichtorepay,hefreelyforgavethemboth.TellMe,therefore,whichofthemwilllovehimmore?”(verses41,42).

Simonanswered,“Isupposetheonewhomheforgavemore”(verse43).

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AndJesusreplied,“Youhaverightlyjudged”(verse43).Jesuslookedatthewoman,thenbackatSimon.“Doyouseethiswoman?I

enteredyourhouse;yougaveMenowaterforMyfeet,butshehaswashedMyfeetwithhertearsandwipedthemwiththehairofherhead.

“YougaveMenokiss,butthiswomanhasnotceasedtokissMyfeetsincethetimeIcamein.YoudidnotanointMyheadwithoil,butthiswomanhasanointedMyfeetwithfragrantoil.ThereforeIsaytoyou,hersins,whicharemany,areforgiven,forshelovedmuch.Buttowhomlittleisforgiven,thesameloveslittle”(verses44-47).

RatherthangrowangrywithJesusasdidJudas,Simon’seyesgrewmoistwithregret.HehadforgottensoquicklyhowmuchhehadbeenforgivenwhenJesushealedhimofhisleprosy.Nosoonerhadthevisibleevidenceofhisleprosyfadedthanhequicklyslippedbackintohisself-righteousrole,forgettingthathewasasbigasinnerasMary.

ThentoremoveanydoubtsregardingthemainpurposeofHismission,JesusturnedtoMaryandsaid,“Yoursinsareforgiven”(verse48).Jesus’wordswerelikeheavenlymusictoherears.MaryprostratedherselfatHisfeetinapostureofabjectworshipasthelastlingeringdropsofguiltandshameevaporatedfromhersoulinthewarmglowofHisforgiveness.

ThoughMarywasoblivioustothestaresoftheotherguests,sheclearlyheardtheirmuffledtones.“Whoisthiswhoevenforgivessins?”(verse49).

ButtoMary,havingtheapprovalofJesuswasallthatmattered.ShewasalreadysatisfiedwithHisapprobation,buttoremoveanylingeringquestionthatshewouldbeacceptedamongHisdisciplesHe

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added,“Assuredly,Isaytoyou,whereverthisgospelispreachedinthewholeworld,whatthiswomanhasdonewillalsobetoldasamemorialtoher”(Matt.26:13).

ThenJesusgentlyplacedHishandonherheadandblessedher.“Yourfaithhassavedyou.Goinpeace”(Luke7:50).

TheStudy

JOHN12:1-3,KJV“ThenJesussixdaysbeforethepassovercametoBethany,whereLazarus

waswhichhadbeendead,whomheraisedfromthedead.Theretheymadehima

supper;andMarthaserved:butLazaruswasoneofthemthatsatatthetablewithhim.ThentookMaryapoundofointmentofspikenard,verycostly,andanointedthefeetofJesus,andwipedhisfeetwithherhair:andthehousewasfilledwiththeodouroftheointment.”

MARK14:3,KJV“AndbeinginBethanyinthehouseofSimontheleper,ashesatatmeat,

therecameawomanhavinganalabasterboxofointmentofspikenardveryprecious;andshebrakethebox,andpoureditonhishead.”

ITCOSTSHOWMUCH?MaryatJesus’feetinsacrificeandservicewasinmanyrespectsatherfinest.

ThisisevidentbythefactthatJesuswouldimmortalizethedeedbydeclaring,“Whereverthisgospelispreachedinthewholeworld,whatthiswomanhasdonewillalsobetoldasamemorialtoher”(Matt.26:13).Why?BecauseMarygaveherall!

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Itmaysoundradicalorevenscary,butifyouwouldbesaved,itwillrequireyourall.Atotalsurrender,atotalsacrifice.ThisisthesamereasonthatJesuscommendedthewidowwhocastherlasttwocoinsintotheofferingbox—shegaveherall:“Andhesawalsoacertainpoorwidowcastinginthithertwomites.Andhesaid,OfatruthIsayuntoyou,thatthispoorwidowhathcastinmorethantheyall:ForallthesehaveoftheirabundancecastinuntotheofferingsofGod:butsheofherpenuryhathcastinallthelivingthatshehad”(Luke21:2-4,KJV).

ManyneverexperiencethefullnessofGod’speaceandpower,becausetheymakeonlyapartialsurrender.TheLordcanfillourvesselsonlytotheextentthatweemptythem.

“Forwhoeverdesirestosavehislifewillloseit,butwhoeverloseshislifeforMysakewillfindit”(Matt.16:25).

“Again,thekingdomofheavenisliketreasurehiddeninafield,whichamanfoundandhid;andforjoyoverithegoesandsellsallthathehasandbuysthatfield.Again,thekingdomofheavenislikeamerchantseekingbeautifulpearls,who,whenhehadfoundonepearlofgreatprice,wentandsoldallthathehadandboughtit”(Matt.13:44-46).

WhentherichyoungruleraskedJesuswhathehadtodotoacquireeternallifeJesussaidtohim,“‘Ifyouwanttobeperfect,go,sellwhatyouhaveandgivetothepoor,andyouwillhavetreasureinheaven;andcome,followMe.’Butwhentheyoungmanheardthatsaying,hewentawaysorrowful,forhehadgreatpossessions”(Matt.19:21,22).

Howtragicthatthisyoungmanwentawaywithgreatpossessionsandsorrow.Millionstheworldoveraremakingthesamebadchoice,strivingtofind

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happinessthroughmaterialismandmoney.ThisiswhyJesusnextwarned,“Assuredly,Isaytoyouthatitishardforarichmantoenterthekingdomofheaven”(verse23).

AndagainHecautionedthem,“Takeheedandbewareofcovetousness,forone’slifedoesnotconsistintheabundanceofthethingshepossesses”(Luke12:15).“Forwhatprofitisittoamanifhegainsthewholeworld,andloseshisownsoul?”(Matt.16:26).

Rightafterfillingtheirnetstobursting,themostprosperouscatchoftheirlives,JesusaskedPeter,Andrew,James,andJohntoleaveitallandfollowHim.Andtheydid!“Sowhentheyhadbroughttheirboatstoland,theyforsookallandfollowedHim”(Luke5:11).“ThenPetersaid,Lo,wehaveleftall,andfollowedthee”(Luke18:28,KJV).

IstheLordaskingallofustoliquidateallourassetsandfollowHim?Notnecessarily,butHeisaskingustoputeverythingonthealtarandbewillingtodowhateverHedirects.Heisaskingforallofourhearts;thenHewillnaturallyhaveeverythingelseofus.

“Jesussaidtohim,‘YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,withallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind’”(Matt22:37).

LETGOANDLETGODIthasbeentoldthatmonkeytrappersinNorthAfricahaveaclevermethod

ofcatchingtheirprey.Anumberofgourdsarefilledwithnutsandfirmlychainedtoatree.Eachgourdhasaholejustlargeenoughfortheunsuspectingmonkeytostickitshandthrough.Whenahungryorcuriousanimaldiscoversthistreasureofnuts,itreachesinandgrabsahandful.

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Buttheholeistoosmallforittowithdrawitsbulgingfist.Itdoesn’thave

enoughsensetoopenitshandandreleasethedeceptivebooty,soitiseasilytakencaptive.

ThisisafittingpictureofmanyChristians.Thedeviltrapsthemwithhiscraftysnares;heappealstotheirnaturalgreedandcarnalappetites,whichleadtotheirspiritualdownfall.Aslongastheyholdontothisworldlybait,theycannotescapefromSatan’strap.Buthekeepsonurging,“Don’tletgo!”Listeningtothetempter’salluringvoice,theyvainlycontinuetoattemptescape,withoutlettinggooftheworld.Itisimpossibleto“letGod”untilwefirst“letgo”ofeverythingandeveryone!That’sright—notevenpeoplemusttakepriorityoverourrelationshipwithGod!That’swhythefirstandgreatcommandmentistoloveGodwithallourheart;thensecondarily,toloveourneighborasourselves.

“HewholovesfatherormothermorethanMeisnotworthyofMe.AndhewholovessonordaughtermorethanMeisnotworthyofMe”(Matt.10:37).

ThegoodnewsisthatwhoeverhasthefaithtotrustGodandsurrenderallforChrist’ssakewillbeabundantlycompensatedinthislifeandthenext.

“SoJesusansweredandsaid,‘Assuredly,Isaytoyou,thereisnoonewhohaslefthouseorbrothersorsistersorfatherormotherorwifeorchildrenorlands,forMysakeandthegospel’s,whoshallnotreceiveahundredfoldnowinthistime—housesandbrothersandsistersandmothersandchildrenandlands,withpersecutions—andintheagetocome,eternallife”(Mark10:29,30).

LOVEGIVESLAVISHLYIknowaman,afairlyprosperousbusinessman,whosesonwasconvictedof

murderandsentenced

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tolifeinprison.Thelovingfather,convincedthathissonwasinnocent,mortgagedhishomeandsoldallthefamily’sassetstopaythelegalfeestogethissonanothertrial.Eventhoughtheconvictionstood,thefatherneverregrettedthesacrifice.Whydidhedoit?Lovegivessacrificially.Youknowthisone:“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave!”GodtheFathergaveHisallwhenHesentHisonlybelovedSon.

WhenNaamantheSyrianwashealedfromhisleprosy,hisfirstreactionwastogivesomethingtoElishatheprophet,nottopayforhiscleansing,butfromasenseofprofoundthanks(2Kings5).Hislavishofferingwasinproportiontohisgreatgratitude.AfterZacchaeuswasforgivenbyChristhisresponsewastogiveabundantly(Luke19:1-10).

Mary,too,feltcalledupontogivetoherSaviouroutofoverflowinggratitude,becausesheappreciatedhowmuchshehadbeenforgiven.

“ThereforeIsaytoyou,hersins,whicharemany,areforgiven,forshelovedmuch.Buttowhomlittleisforgiven,thesameloveslittle”(Luke7:47).Itisalsosafetosay,hewhohasaconceptofhowmuchhehasbeenforgivenwilllovemuch.ThisiswhyMarygavelavishlyinministeringtoJesus.“Andcertainwomenwhohadbeenhealedofevilspiritsandinfirmities—MarycalledMagdalene,outofwhomhadcomesevendemons,andJoannathewifeofChuza,Herod’ssteward,andSusanna,andmanyotherswhoprovidedforHimfromtheirsubstance”(Luke8:2,3).

ThenneartheendofHislifeMarygavetotallyforthecrisiswhensheboughtthealabasterperfume.

“Soleteachonegiveashepurposesinhisheart,notgrudginglyorofnecessity;forGodlovesacheerfulgiver”(2Cor.9:7).

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THEANOINTEDFromancienttimes,priestsandkingswereceremoniallyanointedwithoilas

asignofofficialappointmenttooffice,andasasymbolofGod’sSpiritandpoweruponthem.“AndhepouredsomeoftheanointingoilonAaron’sheadandanointedhim,toconsecratehim”(Lev.8:12).AnotherexampleofthisisCaptainJehu’sbeinganointedwithaboxofoilbyoneoftheprophetstosealhisappointmentasking:“Thentaketheboxofoil,andpouritonhishead,andsay,ThussaiththeLord,IhaveanointedtheekingoverIsrael”(2Kings9:3,KJV).

ThispointsupthetremendoussignificanceofMary’sanointmentoftheLordjustbeforethecross—JesuswasbeingsealedasourKing,Priest,andSacrifice!

TheHebrewmashach,or“messiah,”andtheGreekChristosarebothtranslated“anointedone.”SomepeoplethinkChristwasthelastnameofJesus,buttheword“Christ”isatitle:“theanointedone.”

Mary’swashingoranointingJesus’feetwithhertearswassignificantofJesuswalkinginoursorrowsandfeelingourpain.“Younumbermywanderings;putmytearsintoYourbottle;aretheynotinYourbook?”(Ps.56:8).OurfeetwerebathedinHistears,andHisheadwascrownedwiththethornsofoursins.Thisiswhytheprophetsaid,“SurelyHehasborneourgriefsandcarriedoursorrows”(Isa.53:4).

HUMBLESERVICEAhospitalvisitoroncesawanursetendingtotheuglysoresofaleprosy

patientandsaid,“I’dneverdothatforamilliondollars!”Thenurseanswered,“NeitherwouldI.ButIdoitforJesusfornothing.”

Genuineloveiswillingto

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servewithoutanyrecognitionorevenremuneration.Howdoyouspellsuccess?Intheworld,successoftenisdefinedbywhat

kindofcarapersondrives,whatkindofclothesareworn,whatkindofhouseafamilyowns.WiththeLordit’snotwhatkindofcarthepersondrivesbutwhatkindofpersondrivesthecar.WithHimtheissueiswhatkindofwomanwearsthedressandwhatkindoffamilylivesinthehouse.Peoplelookontheoutwardappearances,whileGodlooksontheheart.WithGodsuccessisnotdefinedbyhowmuchyouhavebuthowmuchyougive.Dopeoplefearyouorloveyou?Intheworld,greatnessismeasuredbyhowmanypeopleworkforyou,butGodlookstoseehowmanypeopleyouserve.

NapoleonBonapartesaid,“Alexander,Caesar,Charlemagne,andmyselffoundedempires;butuponwhatdidwerestthecreationsofourgenius?Uponforce.JesusChristalonefoundedHisempireuponlove,andatthishourmillionsofmenwoulddieforHim.”

TheBibleteachesthatawoman’shairisherglory(1Cor.11:15).ThevisualmessageinMary’sactofwipingHisfeetwithherhairwasoneoftotallyhumbleservice,submission,worship,andsurrender.“Jesusmetthem,saying,‘Rejoice!’SotheycameandheldHimbythefeetandworshipedHim”(Matt.28:9).

F.B.Meyeroncesaid,“IusedtothinkthatGod’sgiftswereonshelvesoneabovetheother,andthatthetallerwegrewinChristiancharactertheeasierwecouldreachthem.InowfindthatGod’sgiftsareonshelvesonebeneaththeother.Itisnotaquestionofgrowingtallerbutofstoopinglower;thatwehavetogodown,alwaysdown,togetHisbestgifts.”

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JUDAS“ThenoneofHisdisciples,JudasIscariot,Simon’sson,whowouldbetray

Him,said,‘Whywasthisfragrantoilnotsoldforthreehundreddenariiand

giventothepoor?’Thishesaid,notthathecaredforthepoor,butbecausehewasathief,andhadthemoneybox;andheusedtotakewhatwasputinit”(John12:4-6).

TwopeopleinScripturearerecordedaskissingJesus:JudaskissedHisface,thenbetrayedHim.MarykissedHisfeet,thenservedHim.ThegenuinesacrificeandserviceofMarywasastingingrebuketotheselfishnessofJudas.

Itisoftentruethatthosewho,likeJudas,lookdowntheirnosesatsinfulMaryaredoingitasadiversionarytacticlestsomeonefocusontheirsins(John12:7).Themostcriticalandjudgmentalpeopleinthechurchareusuallytheoneswhoarestrugglingwiththeirownhiddenguilt.ItwasimmediatelyafterJudas’piousstatementofconcernforthepoorthathewentoutandagreedtobetraytheSaviourforthepriceofaslave.

APUBLICDISPLAYMarywasnotashamedtomakeaspectacleofherselfinshowingherlovefor

Jesus.ButmanyChristiansareafraidtoshowtheirloveforJesuspublicly,intheworkplaceorneighborhood,forfearofbeingridiculedfortheirfaith.IhaveobservedthatmanyChristians,whentheyeatinapublicrestaurant,waituntiltheythinknooneislooking,thenquicklybowtheirheadsforthreesecondstothankGodsilentlyfortheirfood.

“ForwhoeverisashamedofMeandMywords,ofhimtheSonofManwillbeashamed

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whenHecomesinHisownglory,andinHisFather’s,andoftheholyangels”(Luke9:26).

BecauseMarywasnotafraidtoopenlydemonstrateherloyaltyandsubmissiontoJesus,theLordwaswillingtodefendherinpublic.“ThereforetheLordGodofIsraelsays:...‘ThosewhohonorMeIwillhonor,andthosewhodespiseMeshallbelightlyesteemed’”(1Sam.2:30).

That’swhyJesussaidofMary,“Letheralone”;HewasveryprotectiveofMarybecauseHeunderstoodherheart.Remember,theLordevenhadafewadulterersandrecoveredprostitutesinHisfamilytree—Rahab,Tamar,Bathsheba.Infact,Hisownmother’sreputationhadbeenbesmirchedbythecircumstancesaroundHisunusualconception.Alsoremember,Maryisasymbolofthechurch,and,flawedanddefectivethoughshemayappear,Jesusisgrievedandangeredbythosewho,likeJudas,standbyandaccusethebrideofChrist.

ThePresbyterianministerRobertFalconerwaswitnessingamongadestitutepeopleinacertainforeigncity.HereadtothemthisstoryofhowMaryMagdalenewashedJesus’feetwithhertearsanddriedthemwithherhair.Whilehewasreadingheheardaloudsobandlookedupatayoung,thingirlwhosefacewasdisfiguredbysmallpox.Afterhespokeafewwordsofencouragementtoher,sheasked,“WillHeevercomeagain,theOnewhoforgavethewoman?IhaveheardthatHewillcomeagain.Willitbesoon?”FalconerassuredherHewouldreturnsomedaysoon.Aftersobbingagainuncontrollably,shesaid,“Sir,can’tHewaitalittlewhile?Myhairain’tlongenoughyettowipeHisfeet.”

WhenwebegintoseehowmuchJesussufferedandpaidforoursins,whenwearegenuinelyconverted

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fromourselfishstrivingforrecognitionandgraspingforearthlygain,thenandonlythenwillwebetrulycontenttohumblyserveandgivealltotheOnewhogaveall.

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O

CHAPTERFIVE

ATJESUS’FEETINSURRENDER:

ATTHECROSSTheStory

nlyafewdayshadpassedsincethememorabledinneratSimon’shouse,andnowMary,Martha,andLazarussattogetherforanotherspecialmeal.An

awfulsenseofforebodinghungoverthesmallbandofdisciplesinBethanyastheyatethesimplePassoverfarethatThursdayevening.Marykeenlyfelttheawkwardsilence.SomehowitseemedlikeafarewellgesturewhenJesusannouncedthatthisyearHewouldeatintheholycitywiththe12.EveryoneknewaboutthegrowingnumberofenemiesinJerusalemwhowereplottingforJesus’life.OnlyafewdaysearlierthepriestandscribesbecameinfuriatedwhenavastmultitudehailedHimasthe“SonofDavid,”saying“BlessedisHewhocomesinthenameoftheLord!Hosannainthehighest!”(Matt.21:9).

JesushadriddenonthebackofaborroweddonkeycoltthathadneverhadariderdowntheslopeofMountOlivet,throughtheBeautifulGate,totheTemple.EveryJewunderstoodtheprofoundsignificanceofthisact.TheMasterwaslivingoutoneofthemostwell-knownpropheciesregardingthecomingoftheMessiah.

“Rejoicegreatly,OdaughterofZion!Shout,O

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daughterofJerusalem!Behold,yourKingiscomingtoyou;Heisjustandhavingsalvation,lowlyandridingonadonkey,acolt,thefoalofadonkey”(Zech.9:9).

Marywasamongthemostexuberantoftherejoicingmultitude,shouting,“BlessedisthekingdomofourfatherDavidthatcomesinthenameoftheLord!Hosannainthehighest!”PeoplewerespreadingtheircoatsinHispathwayandwavingpalmbranches,clearlygesturesreservedforaconqueringking.

WhenthescribesandPhariseesorderedJesustosilencethelivelythrong,Jesusrebukedtheleaders.“Iftheykeepquiet,thestoneswillcryout,”Heresponded,asiftotellHisenemiestheycouldnotpreventthefulfillmentofprophecy.

NotonlyweretheTemplepriestsandrulingPhariseesindignant;theywere

enviousthatthisuneducatedCarpenterwasreceivingthepraisefromthepeople.Filledwithearthlywisdom,thesemensawJesusasaseriousthreattotheirauthority,andposition,andespeciallytonationalsecurity.

AsmuchasthisinterruptiondisturbedMary,somethingelsehappenedthattroubledherevenmore.WhiledescendingfromOlivettoJerusalem,Jesushaltedtherejoicingprocessionandbegantogazeatthebeautifulcityasifinatrance.Afteralongsilence,HisfacecontortedwithanguishandHeweptoverthecity.TherewasaterriblefinalityinHisvoicewhenHespokeanoracle,prophesyingthecity’sfuture.

“Dayswillcomeuponyouwhenyourenemieswillbuildanembankmentaroundyou,surroundyouandcloseyouinoneveryside,andlevelyou,andyourchildrenwithinyou,totheground;andtheywillnotleaveinyouonestoneuponanother,becauseyoudidnotknowthetimeofyourvisitation”(Luke19:43,44).

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ThatverysamedayHeenteredtheTempleandonceagainexpelledthemoneychangers,overthrowingtheirtablesandevictingthosewhoboughtandsoldintheTemple,andthesacrificesalesmen.Then,asifthatwerenotenough,HehadaverbalshowdownwiththeSadducees,scribes,Pharisees,andlawyers.

TheywantedtotrapHiminHisownwords,oratleastembarrassanddiscreditHimbeforethepeople.Insteadtheirwickedplanbackfiredmiserably.WithHissupernaturalwitJesusunexpectedlyturnedthetablesontheleaders,leavingthemhumiliatedinfrontofthecrowdofworshipers.ThenJesusclosedtheconfrontationbydenouncingthemashypocrites,blindfools,whitewashedtombs,andabroodofvipers!

Astheystormedaway,disgracedbyHisscathingrebukes,theirburningeyesreflectedthemurderousvengeancefomentingintheirhearts.Therewasnoquestionaboutit.ThegreedyleaderswouldnowpayanypricetodestroyHim.

AsJesuslefttheTempleHestoppedtosurveythebeautifuledificeandsaid,“See!Yourhouseislefttoyoudesolate;forIsaytoyou,youshallseeMenomoretillyousay,‘BlessedisHewhocomesinthenameoftheLord!’”(Matt.23:38,39).MatthewtoldMarythatlaterJesusforetoldthatsoontherewouldnotbeonestoneoftheTempleleftuponanother.Therewasnodoubt—Jesusknewsomethingominouswasabouttohappen.

Latethatnight,tossinginherbed,Maryrelivedtheeventsoftheweek.Hourslater,herrestlessthoughtsfinallysurrenderedtoatroubledsleep.

Deepinthequietofthatmildspringnight,thestillnessofMartha’sBethanyhomewasabruptly

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brokenbythepersistentpoundingofafistonthefrontdoor.“Whoisit?”Lazaruscalledinthedark.“Whatdoyouwant?”“It’sAndrew!”camethemuffledreply.Andrewwasoneofthemostkind

andthoughtfulofJesus’disciples.Maryheardherbrotherfumbleforhisrobeandheadforthedoor.Fromtheroomacrossthehall,MarycouldseeMarthablowingonacoaltolightapieceofstrawforthelamp.Asfearrosewithinher,Maryleapedfromherbedandslippedintoherrobe.

Lazarusquicklyflungopenthedoor.HeabruptlydrewAndrewin,thenshutandbarredthedoorbehindhim.“What’shappened?”heasked.EvenbeforeAndrewreplied,Maryknew.

“TheyhavetakentheMaster,”Andrewpanted,strugglingtocatchhisbreath.“WhotookHim?”Marthaburstintotheparlor,wordsfirst.“ThepriestscamewiththeTempleguardsandagreatcompany.And—”

Andrewgrewpale.Hisvoicebrokewithshockashespoke.“JudasIscariotwasleadingthem.”

“Judas?”Lazarusgaspedindisbelief.Mary,standingintheshadowsbehindherbrother,wasnotassurprised.

“WheredidtheytakeHim?”Marthapressed.“I’mnotsure,”Andrewadmitted.“Wewereconfusedandfrightened.Idid

seePeter,mybrother,pullouthisswordandswingit,butJesusstoppedhimandmadenoefforttoescape.”

LazarusledtheexhaustedAndrewtoacouchtositdown.ForamomentAndrewcoveredhiseyeswithhishand.Afteralongpause,helookedpleadinglyintoLazarus’eyes.“WhenHeallowedthemto

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seizeHimandtieHishands,wewereallstunned!WethoughtHewoulduseHispowertodeliverHimselfasbefore.”Andrewshamefullyloweredhisheadagain.“WhenHedidnothing,weallpanickedandranoffindifferentdirections.”

Marthagaspedasifunabletocatchherbreath.“OLord,donotletthemharmtheanointedofIsrael.”

Unawareofthewoman’sprayer,Andrewcontinued.“IthinktheytookHim

tothehouseofthehighpriest.”Lazarusnoddedhisheadsolemnly.“They’llmakeshortworkofatrial.”He

heavedaheavysigh.“Thenthey’llhavetotakeHimtoPilatetosecureadeathdecree—thatis,iftheydon’tmurderHimfirst.”

“ImustfindHim.Imustdosomething.”Maryhurriedtoherroom,threwonherclothing,tiedherhairinaheadwrap,andreturnedtofindhersisterandbrotherreadytoleaveaswell.

Justastheglintofthenewmorningbegantocompetewiththestars,thedarkformsoffourfrighteneddisciplescouldbefaintlyseeninthelingeringmoonlight,hurryingdowntheroadtotheholycity.BethanywasontheeasternslopeofOlivet,abouttwomilesfromJerusalem.Astheycrestedthehilloverlookingtheancientcity,LazaruscommentedthatitwasoddtoseesomanylightslitinJerusalematsuchanearlyhour.Somethingunusualwasindeedhappening.

“HowwillwefindHim?”Maryasked.Andrewwasthefirsttorespond.“First,weshouldgotothehouseofMary,

JohnMark’smother.We’vealwaysleftmessagesthereinherupperroomwheneverwewereinJerusalem.”

TheyhurrieddowntheMountofOlives,pasttheGardenofGethsemane.Andrewpointedtotheclearing

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wherehehadlastseenJesus,asif,perhaps,hopinghewouldstillfindHimthere.

“Thatiswhere—”Frombehindagroveofyoungcypresstreestheyheardaloud,pitifulmoan

likethatofawoundedanimal.ThesoundsentchillsupMary’sspine.ItwasPeter.Hehadreturnedtothegardentosobouthisrepentancefor

denyinghisLord.HehadthrownhimselfprostrateontheveryspotwhereJesus,afewhoursearlier,hadmoistenedthegroundwithHisbloodandHistearsasHeagonizedinprayer.Andrewwalkedover,kneltbesidehisolderbrother,andtenderlyplacedhishandontheshoulderofthestrongfisherman.Overwhelmedwithgrief,Peter’swholeframeconvulsedasheweptbitterly.

“Simon,”Andrewpleadedwithhissibling,“come,wearegoingtotheupperroom.”

“No,”Petermoaned.“IdeniedHim.Threetimes!”Andrewattemptedtoconsolehim.“Wewereallfrightened.Weallran

away.”“Youdon’tunderstand.Jesuslookedatme,”Petersobbed.“ThelasttimeI

cursedandsworethatIdidnotknowHim,Helookedrightatmefromthejudgmenthall.”

Peterliftedhisfacetowardhisbrother.Itwascoveredwithearthandtears.“Then,asIheardtheroostercrowing,IsawaguardstrikeHim!RememberwhatHetoldme?Hetriedtowarnme,butIwastooproudtolisten.”

Peterburiedhisfaceononearmandpoundedthegroundwithhisfistashewept.

LazarusassuredPeter,“Whenwefindoutwhat’shappened,we’llsendsomeonebackforyou.”Itwasobviousthatthisgrievingdisciplewasinnocondition

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tobeofanyhelpintheirsearch.ReluctantlyAndrewlefthisbrother.HecommentedtoLazarusthathehadnotseenhimcrysincetheywereboys.

WhentheyreachedtheGoldenGate,theRomanguardsweretoosleepytoquestionthem,andtheyletthempassthroughwithoutexplanation.DuringthePassoverweekdevotedJewishpilgrimsfromallovertheempirehadcometoJerusalemindroves.Thecityguardswerealreadydreadingtheonslaughtthatwouldcomewithapproachingdaylight.

ThisyearthePassoverfellontheweeklySabbath,makingita“highSabbath.”Thiswouldbringanunusuallyheavycrowd,thousandsofworshiperspushingtotheTempleintimefortheFridayafternoonsacrifice.

WhenMaryandtheothersreachedJohnMark’shouse,theyfoundthatAndrewhadbeenright.Severaloftheotherdiscipleswerealreadythere.Theairwasheavywithadreadfulexpectation.MarthafellintoJohnMark’smother’sarms.Marywatchedasthetwowomenweptoneachother’sshoulders.Theroomwasfilledwithquestions,everyonewantingtohearanyfreshnewsoftheircapturedLord.

“Weknowlittle,asidefromwhatAndrewtoldus,”Marthaexplained.“WemetPeterinthegarden.HesaidhelastsawJesusinthehighpriest’sjudgmenthall.”

“Whathaveyouheard?”Maryadded.Atthispoint18-year-oldJohnMarkspokeup.“IknewJesusandthe12

wouldbesleepinginthegardentonight,andIwantedtoheartheMastertellthePassoverstoryagain.SoIcametoGethsemane.ButbythetimeIarrived,

ThomassaidthatJesusseemedupsetandhadtakenPeter,James,andJohnastone’sthrowawaysotheycouldpray.SoItalkedalittle

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withThomasandNathanael;thenIremovedmyoutergarments,laydown,andcoveredmyselfwiththesheetandwenttosleep.ThenextthingIheardwasthesoundofmenshoutingasamobapproached.Thereweresoldierswiththem.

“Weallknewthisdaywouldcome,butweexpectedthatwhenthey’dlayhandsonHimandbindHim,theSpiritoftheLordwouldcomeuponHimandHewouldshakeHimselffree,likeSamson.WethoughtwewouldfollowJesusintobattleagainsttheRomansuntilHeclaimedthethroneofDavid.”Theyoungmanlookedbewilderedbythestrangeturnofevents.“ButwhentheyboundJesus,Hemadenoefforttoresist.WewereallstunnedastheytookHimawaylikeacommoncriminal.TheyledHimfromthegardeninthedirectionofthecity.”

JohnMarkswallowedhardandcontinued.“Iwrappedmysheetaroundmeandtriedtofollow.ThentwooftheTempleguardssawmeandshouted,‘AreyouspyingforHim?’

“Theygrabbedforme,butIwrestledfreefromtheirgripandflednaked,leavingmysheetintheirhands.”

“That’sabadomen,”Thomassaidashelookeddownandshookhishead.“ThatwaswhathappenedtothepatriarchJosephwhenhefledfromPotiphar’swife.Helandedinjail.”

MarkignoredthenegativecommentaryfromThomasandcontinued.“Beforetheychasedme,Iheardoneofthemsaythataftertheyheldthetrialthey’dneedtowakeupPilatetosecurethedeathdecree.”JohnMarksearchedLazarus’eyesforunderstanding.“They’vealreadydecidedHe’sguilty,”heconcluded.“They’redeterminedtocrucifyHimbeforeHisfollowershearwhat’shappened.”

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Theword“crucify”drewachorusofmoansfromthefrighteneddisciples.Thisdreadedformofexecutionwasusedontheworstofcriminals.Itwasdesignedtocausethemostextremesufferingforthevictim.

NosoonerhadJohnMarkutteredthosewordsthanMaryknewshehadtodosomething,anything.Sheflungopenthedooranddisappearedintothenight.

Thehoursthatfollowedwerefilledwithheart-wrenchingfrustrationfor

Mary.BythetimeshereachedthehouseofAnnas,theretiredhighpriest,JesushadalreadybeentransferredtoCaiaphas,thecurrentpriest.AtCaiaphas’houseasleepyservanttoldhertheJewishcouncilhadcondemnedHimtodieandwereontheirwaytoPilatetohavehimratifytheirdeathpenalty.Theseweredeterminedandruthlessmen.Theywouldnotrestuntiltheyhadachievedtheirgoal.

OnMary’swaytoPilate’sjudgmenthall,alocalmerchantopeninghisshoptoldherthathehadheardthatPilatehadjustsentJesustoHerod’spalace.“SinceJesusisfromGalilee,”theshopkeeperremindedher,“theprisonerisunderHerod’sjurisdiction.”

Exhausted,Maryleanedagainstthewallandsobbed.Herodwasthemosthard-heartedandhatedrulerintheRomanEmpire.ItwashisfatherwhohadslaughteredthebabyboysinBethlehem,andthesonwasnolessheartless.HehadhadJohntheBaptistputtodeathwithoutevenasemblanceofatrial.SheknewthatJesuswouldreceivenomercyfromthiscruelman.

Regainingherbreath,MaryrushedtotheRomanquarterofJerusalem,towardHerod’ssummerpalace.Marywassodistraughtthatshefailedtonoticethemorningsunbathingthehousetopswiththefirstraysofgoldenspringsunlight.Suddenlytheterrifyingmorningtwoyearsearlierflashedthroughthe

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woman’smind,thedayshefirsthadseenJesusintheTempleandHehadrescuedherfromthesameevilmen.

MaryrealizedshewouldnotbeabletodothesameforHim.SheunderstoodthatJesuswasnowtakingherpunishment.“ButifonlyIcoulddosomethingforHim.IfonlyIcouldjustbenearHim.”

AssoonasthegrievingyoungwomanroundedthestreetthatenteredtheRomansector,sheheardtheclatterofarmorandthestompingofsoldiers’feet.Shesawinhorrorathrongofsoldiers,ledbypriests,makingtheirwayupthenarrowcobblestoneroad.Intheirmidst,guardedoneverysideasifHewereadangerousconvict,wasJesus.Theprocessionmovedinahasty,determinedmanner.Maryhadtoduckquicklyintoadoorwaytoavoidbeingrunoverbythismilitarymob.

WhenshefinallycaughtaglimpseofJesusupclose,shebarelyrecognizedHim.ARomanguarddroveHimuptheroad,occasionallywhackingHimontheshoulderswiththewoodenhandleofhiswhip.Theyhadbraidedacrownfromthevinesofabrutal-lookingthornbushandpresseditintoHishead.ThebackofHisseamlessrobewaswetandshiningwithblood.Hisfacewasbruisedand

coveredwithasickeningmixtureofbloodandspittle.Hisbeardwasstrangelyunevenandraw,asifsomeonehadpulledoutfistfulsofhair.Yet,inspiteofallthis,shesawnovestigeofangermarkingHisexpression.

HerheartachedforherMaster.HewasthegentlestManshe’deverknown.ItgrievedherbeyondwordstoseeHimsufferlikethis.Maryfeltnauseous.Tearsblurredhervision.

Astheprocessionpassed,shefellinbehindandaskedoneofthespectators,ashortroundman,“WhathappenedtoHim?”

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Themananswered,“Well,thewayIhearditisthatHerodwantedtheTeachertoperformsomemiracle.ThekingofferedtoletHimgo,butwhenHedidn’trespond,HerodcommandedthatHebeflogged.ThenHewasturnedovertothesoldiersfortheirentertainment.”

Thestranger’sfacehardened.“ThoseRomanguardswerewaitingforachancetogettheirhandsonaJew,andtheymadethemostofit!NowIguessHerodhassentHimbacktoPilate.”

UponenteringthegateofPilate’sjudgmenthall,Marysawhundredsmorehadalreadygathered.Peopleweremakingtheirwaytotheoutercourt.Someofthepriests’servantswerecirculatingthroughthegrowingmob,spreadingtheword,“WhenPilatequestionsthecrowd,askforBarabbas!”

Marystrainedonhertoestoseewhatwashappening,butherslightframewasjostledbackandforthbythegrowingconcourse,mostlymen.ShepushedherwayasclosetothefrontaspossibleuntilshewasstoppedbyadoublerowofeliteRomanguardswhoaimedtheirspearsnervouslytowardtheagitatedmob.

Justbeyondtheguard,thepriestsandSanhedrinleadersstoodatthebaseofthesteps.JewishlawwouldnotpermitthemtoventureintoaGentile’sdwellingforfearofbeingdefiledandrenderedunclean.Theywouldnotwantthat,especiallyonthishighandholyweekofPassover.

Marythoughttoherself,Whathypocrites!Heretheyare,abouttomurderaninnocentMan,theirMessiah,andalltheycanthinkaboutisnotplacingtheirfootonthedoorstepofaRomandwelling.ShethoughtofJesus’words“Blindguides,whostrainoutagnatandswallowacamel”(Matt.23:24).

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Maryturnedtooneofthefewwomenpresentandasked,“Whatishappening

toJesus?”BarelyglancingatMary,thewomansaid,“PilatesummonedHimintothe

halltoquestionHim.”Maryglancedasecondtimeatthewomanandrealizedsherecognizedher.ThewomanhadbeenoneoftheleadersinthemultitudethathaddirectedJesus’praisingprocessionintoJerusalem.

AfterseveralrestlessmomentsPilateemergedfromthejudgmenthall,lookingtroubledandperplexed.HehadthebatteredformofJesusintow.TheLordwasstationedbetweentwopillars,withasoldieroneitherside.ThestoryofSamsonflashedintoMary’smind.

PilatenoddedtowardJesus.“IhaveexaminedtheoneyoucalltheKingoftheJews,andIfindnofaultinHim.”ThecrowdgrewagitatedasPilatepausedbeforefinishinghisthought.“Butbecausethisisyourholyweek,asagestureofgoodwillIwilldoasIhavedonebeforeandreleaseoneofyourpeople.”ImmediatelytwosoldiersbroughtoutBarabbas,themostinfamousJewishvillaintheRomanshadevercaptured.Barabbaswasathief,murderer,andself-proclaimedmessiah.

Pilatestoodthetwomenbeforethepeople.Thecontrastcouldnothavebeenmorevivid.Barabbaswasacoldandhardenedcriminal;Jesus,thoughmarredbytorture,stillboreadivineinnocenceandmajesty.

Marycouldnotbelieveherears.Likebellowingwildbeaststhecrowdscreeched,“ReleaseBarabbas!”Marynotedthattheservantsofthepriestswerescatteredamongthethrong,urgingthemon.Louderandlouderswelledthechant,“Barabbas!Barabbas!GiveusBarabbas!ReleaseBarabbas!”

Mystifiedbythisunexpectedresponse,Pilate’s

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facedrainedofcolor.“WhatthendoyouwantmetodowithHimwhomyoucalltheKingoftheJews?”(Mark15:12).

Thechiefpriestsanswered,“WehavenokingbutCaesar!”(John19:15).Thecrowdbellowedinunison,“CrucifyHim!”Maryscreamedatthetopofherlungs,“FreeJesus!”Severalofthemob

glaredhatefullyather.Butherfraillonevoicewaslostintheroarofthedemon-possessedmobthatcalledforHisblood.

Theycontinuedchanting.“CrucifyHim!CrucifyHim!”Pilatelookedatthecrowdwithbewildermentanddisgust.“Why,whatevil

hasHedone?”(Matt.27:22).Marysawthewomanbesideherwhoafewdaysearlierhadshouted

“HosannatotheSonofDavid!BlessedisHewhocomesinthenameoftheLord!”nowsnarl,“CrucifyHim!CrucifyHim!”

Pilatelookedclearlyfrustrated.“Why,whatevilhasHedone?IhavefoundnoreasonfordeathinHim”(verse22).Theroarofthemobbecamedeafening.

TheRomanprelateliftedhishandsforsilence.Reluctantlytheagitatedthrongobeyed.Inatoneofappeasementhesaid,“IwillchastiseHim,andletHimgo.”ButtheverymentionofHisreleasestirredthepeopletoatenfoldfrenzy.MaryheardoneofthepriestsshoutatPilate,“IfyouletthisMango,youarenotCaesar’sfriend.WhoevermakeshimselfakingspeaksagainstCaesar”(John19:12).

WhenPilateheardthattheywereaccusinghimoftreasonandsawthatariotwasbrewing,hetookwaterandwashedhishandsbeforethemultitude.“IaminnocentofthebloodofthisjustPerson.Youseetoit”(Matt.27:24).

Alouddemoniccryofvictorywentupfromthe

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mob:“Hisbloodbeonusandonourchildren”(verse25).SoPilate,wantingtogratifythecrowd,releasedBarabbastothemandorderedthatJesusbescourged,thencrucified.

Marystoodparalyzedforafewmoments.Shestruggledwithherselfasothershurriedtotheplaceofexecution.ShelongedtobenearJesus,butshewasnauseatedbythethoughtofwitnessingHispunishment.She’dseencrucifixions—themosthorrificformofexecutioneverdevised.

SlowlyMaryturnedandmadeherwaytowardthegate.Itwasabout9:00inthemorning,andnowitseemedasthoughthewholecitywasawakeandbuzzingwithwhatwasabouttohappen.AsMary,withincreasingdetermination,plowedherwaythroughthegrowingmobuptheoldstreet,sheheardthevoicesofthepeoplejustaheadofhergrowmoreexcited.ThesoldierswereshoutingtoclearapathastheytookJesustotheplaceofexecution.AlongwithJesusthesoldiersescortedtwocriminals,thieves,whoweretobeexecutedatthesametime.

MarydesperatelypressedherwayforwarduntilshecouldseeJesus,buttheterriblesightnearlymadeherfaint.HewashunchedoverundertheheavyburdenofanuglycrossthathadbeenplacedonHisshoulders.Hishandswerestrappedtothecrossbeam,preventingHimfromshooingawaytheirritatinginsectsthatwerenowattractedtoHisbloodyface.Hislegsshookwitheachstep.Marycouldseeitwasnotsomuchfromtheweightofthecross—freshwet

bloodonJesus’backtoldherthatPilate’sorderthatHebescourgedagainhadbeenobeyed.ThepressureoftheknottybeamonHistornbackmustbeexcruciating.

JesusstumbledandfelltoHiskneesagainstthe

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ungivingstonepavement.AnimpatientRomanguardkickedHiminHissideandstartedcursingandshoutingsomethinginLatin.Moaningfromtheintensepain,JesusstruggledtoHisfeetagainbutmanagedonlyacouplestepsbeforeHefainted.UnabletocatchHisfall,Helandedfacedownonthestones.

MarycringedandinstinctivelylungedtowardJesustohelpHim.Surprisedbyheraudacity,thesamesoldierthathadkickedJesuspushedheraside.

Butthecenturionincharge,realizingthatitwasimpossibleforJesustocarryHisowncrossanyfarther,orderedthatthecrossbeloosedfromHisshoulders.Theheadguardquicklyscannedthefacesofthespectatorsuntilhespiedastrong-lookingBlackmanwhohadbeeneyeingJesussympathetically.“You!Carryit!”heorderedemphatically,motioningtotheuglyimplementoftorture.

Whileeveryone’sattentionwasdirectedtotheguardshoistingthecrosstothenewman’sshoulders,MaryrushedtoJesus’side.ShetookhershawlandbegantowipeHisbruisedandbleedingfacegently.Sheknewshehadonlyafewseconds,andsheneededwater.Franticallyshelookedaroundandspiedamanwhohadasmallskinofwaterstrappedtohisbelt.Withoutasking,Maryreachedoverandyankedthewoodenplugfromtheman’swaterbagandsqueezedthecontentsontohershawl.Thesurprisedmanshoutedinprotestbutmadenoefforttostopher.MarytookJesus’headandrotateditupward,thensqueezedafewdropsofwaterfromherwetclothbetweenHiscutandswollenlips.

JesusslowlyopenedHiseyes.IttookafewsecondsforHimtofocusonMary,whowasnowbathingthebloodfromHisfacewiththewetendofhershawl.MaryknewthemomentofrecognitionbecauseJesus

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clearlysmiledatherwithHiseyes.Justthenthesoldiersnoticedwhatshewasdoing;oneofthemshoutedandliftedhiswhipinathreateninggesture.

AsMaryreluctantlyretreatedintothecrowdshewasthankfulthatinsomesmallwayshecouldprovideabriefoasisofrelieftoherMaster.ShewasespeciallygratefulthatJesusknewshewasthere.ButnowHisnightmaremustresume.WithHishandsfreshlytiedinfrontandasharpRomanspearprodding

Himfrombehind,Jesusslowlyploddedontofulfillprophecy.Astheynearedthecitygatesoneofthecondemnedthievesmanagedtofree

oneofhishandsandmadeapatheticanddesperateattempttoboltforfreedom—whiledraggingthecrossstillstrappedtohisotherhand.Astheguardssubduedtherebel,JesusheardagroupofwomenatthegateweepingforHim.Heturnedtothemandinaclearvoiceutteredachillingoracle:“DaughtersofJerusalem,donotweepforMe,butweepforyourselvesandforyourchildren.Forindeedthedaysarecominginwhichtheywillsay,‘Blessedarethebarren,wombsthatneverbore,andbreastswhichnevernursed!’Thentheywillbegintosaytothemountains,‘Fallonus!’andtothehills,‘Coverus!’Foriftheydothesethingsinthegreenwood,whatwillbedoneinthedry?”(Luke23:18-31).WhenMaryheardthesewords,shefeltashivergodownherspine.

ThethrongofpeopletryingtosqueezethroughtheSheepGatecreatedabottleneck,andMarywasforcedbackintothecrowd.BythetimeshereachedthehillcalledCalvary,thetwothieveswhohadbeencondemnedwithJesuswerestrugglingdesperatelyasabandofsoldierswrestledthemintopositionontheircrossesandpoundedthespikesthroughtheirlimbs.TheRomansoldiersmockedatthe

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men’sterrifiedpleadingsandagonizingcries.ButastheystrippedJesusandpositionedHimontheroughbeams,thehardenedsoldiersmarveledatHispeacefulcompliance.

Maryheardamanbehindherquotingthewritingsoftheprophets:“LUKE23:33,34‘HewasoppressedandHewasafflicted,yetHeopenednotHismouth;Hewasledasalambtotheslaughter,andasasheepbeforeitsshearersissilent,soHeopenednotHismouth’[Isa.53:7].”SheturnedandrecognizedNicodemus,aprominentPhariseewhohadrecentlybecomeopenlysupportiveofJesus’ministry.ThegreatmanwasweepingashecitedtheseMessianicscriptures.

Thecenturion,nowfeelingsympathyforJesus,hadoneofhisguardsofferHimamixtureofgallandwinetoeaseHispainbeforetheyspikedHimtothetree.JesusputHismouthtotheladle,butwhenHerealizeditwasoldwineHerefusedtodrinkit.

MarycringedasoneoftheguardsswunghismalletanddrovethefirstironnailthroughtheSaviour’stender,quiveringflesh.JesusarchedHisbackandreleasedanagonizinggroan.Hisfingerstwitchedwithpain,butstillHeboreaserenecalmonHisface.TheyrepeatedthegorytaskonHisotherhand,thenHis

feet.ThensheandallthosegatheredonthehillheardJesuscallouttotheheavens,“Father,forgivethem,fortheydonotknowwhattheydo”(Luke23:34).

Brokenheartedandphysicallynauseated,MaryturnedawayfromthescenejustintimetoseeJohnonthefringeofthecrowd.HeandanotherdisciplewerebearingawaythelimpformofJesus’mother.Shehadfainted.

Marymovedinstinctivelytowardherfriends.John’seyeswereredfromcryingandfatigue.Two

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otherwomenaccompaniedhim:MarythewifeofClopas,andJesus’aunt.RevivingJesus’mother,theyofferedtotakeheraway,butsheinsistedonstaying.SoflankedbyJohnandthewifeofClopas,thethreeofthemturnedtofacetheawfulexecution.Nooneutteredaword.WithashoutthesoldiershoistedJesus’crossintoposition,andwithaviolentthuditslidintotheholethathadbeenprepared.JesusletoutanotheragonizingmoanastheweightofHisbodyabruptlyshiftedtothespikes.

AtfirstitwasimpossibletobenearJesus.ThousandsofdevotedPassoverpilgrimsfromallovertheRomanEmpirefloodedtheroadleadingintothecity.Manystopped,gazinginshockatthecrosses,andespeciallyatthehastilyscribbledsignonthemiddlecross.Thewords“ThisistheKingoftheJews,”inthreelanguages,werenailedonaroughboardaboveJesus’head.

Thesespectatorswouldlowertheireyes,poundtheirbreasts,andwalkaway.Thentherewerethereligiousleaders,whosurroundedthecrosslikecowardlyjackalswaitingfortheirpotentialmealtodie.TheyhurledtauntsandcursesatthedyingMan.ItwasobvioustoallwatchingthatdemonsofjealousydrovethesementocrucifyHim,andbloodthirstydemonsofcrueltypossessedthemnow.

Astheendlesshoursdraggedby,vulturesbegantocircleoverhead,andthecrowdsbegantothin.PeopleneededtorushhometomakefinalpreparationsfortheapproachingSabbath.WitheachopportunityMary,alongwiththeotherfaithfulworshipers,movedclosertothecrossuntilshestoodafewyardsfromtheonlyManwhohadeverlovedherwithapurelove.

ThehardenedRomanguardsstationedatthesitewereshockedbythecrueltydemonstratedbythereligious

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leadersagainstoneoftheirown.ButtheyeyedMaryandherfriendswith

sympathyandallowedthemtoapproachJesus’cross.Jesus’eyeswereclosedandHisbreathinglabored.ButasifHesensed

Mary’sapproach,theMasteropenedHiseyesandlookedatherwithanexpressionthatsaid,ThisishowmuchIloveyou.AsMarygazedupthroughhertearsintoHisbeatenface,sheinstinctivelyreachedoutwithoneofherdelicatehandsandwithtremblingfingersbrieflytouchedHisbruisedandbleedingfeet.

TheStudy

LUKE23:33,34“WhentheyhadcometotheplacecalledCalvary,theretheycrucifiedHim,

andthecriminals,oneontherighthandandtheotherontheleft.ThenJesussaid,‘Father,forgivethem,fortheydonotknowwhattheydo.’AndtheydividedHisgarmentsandcastlots.”

ThecrucifixionandsufferingsofJesusmaynotbeapleasantstudy,butitishighinspiritualnutrition.ItwillalwaysinspireadeepandhumbleappreciationfortheOnewhotookourplaceassinners.Thethemeofthecrossistheaxleuponwhichthegospelturns.Likethehomeofamorningjogger,thecrossisboththestartingpointandthedestinationintheprocessofconversion.Paulsaid,“ForIdeterminednottoknowanythingamongyou,saveJesusChrist,andhimcrucified”(1Cor.2:2,KJV).

JustasZacchaeusclimbedthetreeandthensawJesus,thevantagepointofthecrosswillgiveusourbestviewoftheSaviour(Luke19:1-10).

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THECROSSISTHEFOCUSWhenBenjaminFranklinwasabouttodie,heaskedthatapictureofChrist

onthecrossbesoplacedinhisbedroomthathecouldlook,ashesaid,“upontheformoftheSilentSufferer.”

Oneofmyfavoriteauthorswrote,“Itwilldoyougood...tofrequentlyreviewtheclosingscenesinthelifeofourRedeemer.Here,besetwithtemptationsasHewas,wemayalllearnlessonsoftheutmostimportancetous.ItwouldbewelltospendathoughtfulhoureachdayreviewingthelifeofChristfromthemangertoCalvary.

“Weshouldtakeitpointbypointandlettheimaginationvividlygraspeach

scene,especiallytheclosingonesofHisearthlylife.BythuscontemplatingHisteachingsandsufferings,andtheinfinitesacrificemadebyHimfortheredemptionoftherace,wemaystrengthenourfaith,quickenourlove,andbecomemoredeeplyimbuedwiththespiritwhichsustainedourSaviour.

“Ifwewouldbesavedatlast,wemustlearnthelessonofpenitenceandfaithatthefootofthecross....EverythingnobleandgenerousinmanwillrespondtothecontemplationofChristuponthecross”(LiftHimUp,p.240).

Thereisnothingattractiveaboutcrucifixioninitself.Itisanextremelyuglyandrevoltingformofexecution.Butasforcontemplatingit,aspoonfulofthismedicine,bitteratfirst,willbringhealingtooursouls.

THESUFFERINGOFTHECROSSCrucifixionwasoriginallydevisedbythePersians,buttheRomans

developedittoextractthelastounceofsufferingfromtheunfortunatevictim.Onehistorianwrote:“ThecrossuponwhichJesus

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diedconsistedofaperpendicularstakewithacrossbeameitheratthetopofthestakeorshortlybelowthetop.Ablockorapinwassometimesdrivenintothestaketoserveasaseatforthecondemnedperson,givingpartialsupporttohisbody.Sometimesastepforthefeetwasfixedtothestake.

“Victimsofcrucifixionoftendidnotdiefortwoorthreedays.Usuallythevictimhadbeenseverelyscourgedbeforecrucifixion,whichcouldspeedthedeathprocessfromlossofblood.Anotherfactorcontributingtothedurationofsufferingwasthepresenceorabsenceoftheseatandthefootrest.Forwhenapersonsuspendedbyhishandslostbloodpressurequickly,thepulserateincreased.Totalcollapsethroughinsufficientbloodcirculationtothebrainandtheheartfollowedshortly.Ifthevictimcouldsupporthimselfbyusingtheseatandfootrest,thebloodcouldbereturnedtosomedegreeofcirculationintheupperpartofhisbody.”

GrantOsbornegraphicallydescribesthishorribledeath:“Tofixthevictim’shandstothecrossbeam,eithercordsornailsandcordswereused;sometimesthefeetwerealsonailed.Whenitwasdesiredtobringthetorturetoanend,thevictim’slegswerebrokenbelowthekneeswithaclub.Itwasthennolongerpossibleforhimtoeasehisweight,andthelossofbloodcirculationacceleratedhisdemise.Coronaryinsufficiencyfollowedshortly”a(HolmanBibleDictionary).

WHATWASWRITTENONTHECROSS?SomehavewonderedwhytheGospels’statementsdescribingthesignabove

theheadofJesusseemtocontradictoneanother.

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1.“AndtheyputupoverHisheadtheaccusationwrittenagainstHim:THISISJESUSTHEKINGOFTHEJEWS”(Matt.27:37).

2.“AndtheinscriptionofHisaccusationwaswrittenabove:THEKINGOFTHEJEWS”(Mark15:26).

3.“AndaninscriptionalsowaswrittenoverHiminlettersofGreek,Latin,andHebrew:THISISTHEKINGOFTHEJEWS”(Luke23:38).

4.“NowPilatewroteatitleandputitonthecross.Andthewritingwas:JESUSOFNAZARETH,THEKINGOFTHEJEWS”(John19:19).

ItistruethatthereareslightdifferencesbetweentheGospelrecords.TheanswerastowhyisfoundinLuke’srecord—itremindsusthatthesesignscontainedthestatementinthreedifferentlanguages—“inlettersofGreek,Latin,andHebrew”(Luke23:38).

MostofthevariationsintheGospelaccountscomefromthetextbeingtranslatedfromdifferentlanguages.LukeandJohnwrotefortheGentiles;theywouldprefertheGreekinscription.Matthew,addressingtheJews,wouldusetheHebrew;Mark,writingtotheRomans,wouldnaturallygivetheLatin.Also,keepinmindthatPilatehadthesigncreated,possiblybyaRomansoldierwhomaynothavebeenparticularorcapableofharmonizingthetexts.

WHOWASATTHECROSS?Alongthesameline,itmightbeaskedwhythevariousGospelwritersrecord

slightdifferencesinthelistofdiscipleswhowerepresentatthesceneoftheCrucifixion:“Andmanywomenweretherebeholdingafaroff,whichfollowedJesusfromGalilee,ministeringuntohim:amongwhichwasMaryMagdalene,andMarythemotherofJamesandJoses,andthemother

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ofZebedee’schildren”(Matt.27:55,56,KJV).“Therewerealsowomenlookingonfromafar,amongwhomwereMary

Magdalene,MarythemotherofJamestheLessandofJoses,andSalome,whoalsofollowedHimandministeredtoHimwhenHewasinGalilee,andmany

otherwomenwhocameupwithHimtoJerusalem”(Mark15:40,41).“ButallHisacquaintances,andthewomenwhofollowedHimfromGalilee,

stoodatadistance,watchingthesethings”(Luke23:49).“NowtherestoodbythecrossofJesusHismother,andHismother’ssister,

MarythewifeofClopas,andMaryMagdalene”(John19:25).Thelogicalansweristhat,inthesevenhoursthatJesus’bodyhungonthe

cross,manyofHisfriendsanddiscipleswhobelievedinHimstoodinsmallcompaniesandviewedthenightmarefromvariousdistances.SomecameandwentasthehoursrolledbyandtheSabbathapproached.Lukesaysthey“stoodatadistance.”Johnrecordsthattheystood“by”thecross.Probablyasthehourswentbyandtheagitatedcrowdsdissipatedtheloyalfollowersdrewnear.

Butonethingisunmistakable—byallaccounts,MaryMagdalenewastherethewholetime.

HOWDOESTHECROSSWORK?AyounginfantrymanfightinginItalyduringWorldWarIIjumpedintoa

foxholejustaheadofsomebullets.Ashetriedtodeepentheholeformoreprotection,franticallyscrapingawaythedirtwithhishands,heunearthedasilvercrucifixleftbyaformerresidentofthefoxhole.Amomentlateranotherfigurelandedintheholebesidehim.ThesoldierwiththecrucifixsawthathisnewcompanionwasanArmychaplain.Thefootsoldiergasped,“AmIevergladto

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seeyou!Howdoyoumakethisthingwork?”SomehavemistakenlytaughtthatinOldTestamenttimespeopleweresaved

byworksbuttheNewTestamentteachesthatwearesavedbyfaith.Wrong.EveryonewhoisredeemedissavedbyfaithinthesacrificeofJesus.AllthesaintsfromAdamtoJohntheBaptistweresavedbylookingforwardinfaithtothecross.Everybodywhoissavedtodayisrescuedbyvirtueoflookingbackinfaithtothecross.Everyoneissavedbyfaiththroughbeholding“theLambofGodwhotakesawaythesinoftheworld”(John1:29).

Itisthissimple:WecannotbesavedwithoutlovingGod.ButhowdowecometoloveHim?“WeloveHimbecauseHefirstlovedus”(1John4:19).ThisiswhyJesussaid,“AndI,ifIamliftedupfromtheearth,willdrawallpeoplestoMyself”(John12:32).Thecrossisthemostconcentratedpointinhistory;itistherethatwebestseeHislovedemonstratedforus.Atthecrosstheloveof

Godreached“criticalmass”;thatmarvelouspowerdrawseveryheart.Petersaidifwewouldbesavedwemustfirstrepent:“Repentyetherefore,

andbeconverted,thatyoursinsmaybeblottedout”(Acts3:19,KJV).Well,howdowerepent?TheScripturesgivetheanswer:“Thegoodnessof

Godleadsyoutorepentance”(Rom.2:4).ItisatthecrossthatweseethegoodnessofGodbestdisplayed.Atthecross

weseeSatan’sloveforpowerandJesus’poweroflove.Thecrossisthecatalystforeverytrueconversion.

THECROSSGIVESCOURAGESteveBrownrelatedthestoryofaBritishsoldierinWorldWarIwholost

heartforbattleanddeserted.

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TryingtoreachthecoastforaboattoEnglandthatnight,heendedupwanderinginthepitch-blacknight,hopelesslylost.Hecameacrosswhathethoughtwasasignpost.Thenightwassodarkthatheclimbedthepostinordertoreadit.AtthetopofthepolehestruckamatchandfoundhimselflookingsquarelyintothefaceofJesusChrist.Herealizedthat,ratherthanclimbingasignpost,hehadscaledaroadsidecrucifix.Brownexplained,“ThenherememberedtheOnewhohaddiedforhim—whohadendured,whohadneverturnedback.Thenextmorningthesoldierwasbackinthetrenches.”

“ForconsiderHimwhoenduredsuchhostilityfromsinnersagainstHimself,lestyoubecomewearyanddiscouragedinyoursouls”(Heb.12:3).

THECROSSGIVESUSPOWERTOFORGIVELetusalwayskeepinmindthatthefirstwordsspokenfromthecrosswere

onesofforgiveness!“ThenJesussaid,‘Father,forgivethem,fortheydonotknowwhattheydo’”(Luke23:34).

ThisnotonlyassuresofJesus’desireandprovisiontoforgiveeverysinner,butalsoanswersthatthecrossgivesuspowertoforgiveeachother.“Bearingwithoneanother,andforgivingoneanother,ifanyonehasacomplaintagainstanother;evenasChristforgaveyou,soyoualsomustdo”(Col.3:13).“Forifyouforgivementheirtrespasses,yourheavenlyFatherwillalsoforgiveyou.Butifyoudonotforgivementheirtrespasses,neitherwillyourFatherforgiveyourtrespasses”(Matt.6:14,15).

GeorgeHerbertsaid,“Hewhocannotforgiveothersbreaksthebridgeoverwhichhemustpasshimself.”

Howcanwefindpowertoforgivethosewhohavedeeplywoundedorhurtus?Aswestandinthe

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blazinglightstreamingfromCalvary,everyspotofsininourowncharactersbecomespainfullyclear.ItgivesusabetterperspectiveofhowmuchJesushasforgivenus.WhenwetrulysensethatGodhasfreelyabsolvedusfromavirtualmountainofsin,theoffensesthatothershavecommittedagainstusseembycomparisonasmolehills(Matt.18:23-35).

AlexanderC.Dejongsaid,“Toforgivesomeoneinvolvesthreethings.First,itmeanstoforgotherightofstrikingback.Onerejectstheurgetorepaygossipwithgossipandabadturnwithaworseturn.Second,itmeansreplacingthefeelingofresentmentandangerwithgoodwill,alovewhichseekstheother’swelfare,notharm.Third,itmeanstheforgivingpersontakesconcretestepstorestoregoodrelations”(Leadership,vol.4,No.1).

FORGIVINGANDFORGETTINGAftertheCivilWar,RobertE.LeevisitedaKentuckywomanwhotookhim

toviewtheremainsofagrandoldtreeinfrontofherhome.ThereshecriedbitterlyabouthowitslimbsandtrunkhadbeendestroyedordamagedbyUnionartilleryfire.SheexpectedGeneralLeetocondemntheNorth,oratleasttosympathizewithherloss.Leepaused,andthentenderlysaid,“Cutitdown,mydearmadam,andforgetit.”

Trulyforgivingwillmeanchoosingtoforget.ClaraBarton,thefounderoftheAmericanRedCrossSociety,wasremindedonedayofaviciousdeedthatsomeonehaddonetoheryearsbefore.Butsheactedasifshehadneverheardoftheincident.“Don’tyourememberit?”herfriendasked.

“No,”cameBarton’sreply.“Idistinctlyrememberforgettingit.”

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Butyoumaybethinking,Canonereallyforget?Perhapsnot,butonecanchoosetonotthinkaboutit.

MartinLuthersaid,“Youmaynotbeabletopreventthebirdsfromflyingoveryourhead,butyoucanstopthemfrommakinganestinyourhair.”Likewise,wecanchoosetonotdwellontheseforgivenissues.

IT’SHEALTHYTOHATE...SINIrealizethatthecrossisnotaprettypicture,butthenneitherissin.Whenwe

considertheawfulnessofthecrossletusrememberthatitisourhorridsinsthatcausedit.NotonlydoesthecrossteachusaboutthewonderfulloveofGod,butitremindsushowdisgustingsinistoGod.

“Butsin,thatitmightappearsin,wasproducingdeathinmethroughwhatisgood,sothatsinthroughthecommandmentmightbecomeexceedinglysinful”(Rom.7:13).

WewillneverknowallthatJesusenduredandsufferedinorderforustobesaved.NotonlyisittruethatHeborethesufferingforallhumanity;onthecrossJesusboreallthesufferingofnature.SinhascausedgreatsufferingtoGod,toourneighbor,ourselves,andeventocreation.Everythornandfadingflower,everyfallensparrowandthundercloudremindsusthatallofnatureissufferingtheconsequencesofsinwithus.“Forweknowthatthewholecreationgroansandlaborswithbirthpangstogetheruntilnow”(Rom.8:22).

Hereisanotherofmyfavoritequotes:“ThespotlessSonofGodhunguponthecross.Hisfleshlaceratedwith

stripes;thosehandssooftenreachedoutinblessing,nailedtothewoodenbars;thosefeetsotirelessonministriesoflove,spikedto

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thetree;thatroyalheadpiercedbythecrownofthorns;thosequiveringlipsshapedtothecryofwoe.

“AndallthatHeendured—theblooddropsthatflowedfromHishead,Hishands,Hisfeet,theagonythatrackedHisframe,andtheunutterableanguishthatfilledHissoulatthehidingofHisFather’sface—speakstoeachchildofhumanity,declaring,ItisfortheethattheSonofGodconsentstobearthisburdenofguilt;fortheeHespoilsthedomainofdeath,andopensthegatesofParadise.Hewhostilledtheangrywavesandwalkedthefoam-cappedbillows,whomadedevilstrembleanddiseaseflee,whoopenedblindeyesandcalledforththedeadtolife—offersHimselfuponthecrossasasacrifice,andthisfromlovetothee”(TheDesireofAges,p.755).

THECROSSGIVESUSOURBEARINGSIrememberreadingthestoryofapoliceofficerwhowaspatrollingonenight

someyearsagoinnorthernEngland.Heheardaquiveringsobfromayoung

child.Turninginthedirectionfromwhenceitcame,hefoundintheshadowsalittleboysittingonadoorstep.Withtearsrollingdownhischeeks,thechildwhimpered,“I’mlost,mister;pleasetakemehome.”

Thepoliceofficersatdownbesidehimandasked,“Doyouknowyouraddress?”

Theboyshookhishead.Theofficerbegannamingthestreets,tryingtohelpthechildrememberwherehelived.Whenthatfailed,theofficerrepeatedthenamesoftheshopsandhotelsinthearea,butwithoutsuccess.Thenherememberedthatinthecenterofthecitywasawell-knownchurchwithalargewhitecrossthattoweredonthesteeple,high

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abovethesurroundinglandscape.Thecrosswasvisiblefromwhereheandthechildsat.

Theofficerpointedtothecrossandasked,“Doyouliveanywherenearthat?”

Theboylookedupforamoment,andthenhisfaceimmediatelybrightened.“Yes,that’sit.Takemetothecross.Icanfindmywayhomefromthere!”

ThecrossstillremainsthestartingplaceinthejourneyhomeforGod’slostchildren.

Atthecross,atthecrosswhereIfirstsawthelight,Andtheburdenofmyheartrolledaway,ItwastherebyfaithIreceivedmysight,

AndnowIamhappyalltheday!—IsaacWatts

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A

CHAPTERSIX

ATJESUS’FEETINSERVICE:

ATTHETOMB

TheStorystheendlesshoursoftheCrucifixiondraggedon,thesoldiersassignedtooverseetheexecutionofJesusandthetwothievesoccupiedthemselvesby

dividingthemeagerspoilsoftheirconqueredvictims.Theyparceledoutthelesserclothesbydividingthebootyintofourpiles,buttheyrecognizedthatJesus’robe,thoughstainedwithblood,wasseamlessandofunusualquality.MaryfeltherfacegrowhotasshesawthesementuggingatthegarmentthatsheandMarthahadmadefortheirLord.Thesoldiersfinallydecidedtocastlotstodeterminewhowouldclaimit.

“‘TheydivideMygarmentsamongthem,andforMyclothingtheycastlots.’”MaryagainheardthebrokenvoiceofNicodemusbehindher,quotingfromthetwenty-secondpsalmofDavid.

Atfirst,whentherulersweremockingJesus,thetwodoomedthievesactuallyjoinedinrevilingHim,butasthehourspassed,oneofthembecamemorequietandreflective.

OneofthepriestssneeredashepointedtothesignaboveJesus’head,“LettheChrist,theKingofIsrael,descendnowfromthecross,thatwemayseeandbelieve”(Mark15:32).ThenthethiefonJesus’

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leftjoinedin,“IfYouaretheChrist,saveYourselfandus”(Luke23:39).ButhiscompanionontherightofJesuscalledback,“Doyounotevenfear

God,seeingyouareunderthesamecondemnation?Andweindeedjustly,forwereceivetheduerewardofourdeeds;butthisManhasdonenothingwrong”(verses40,41).Thewholecrowdgrewquiet,listeningtothissurrealexchangeamongthedyingtrio.ThesecondthiefsaidtoJesus,“Lord,remembermewhenYoucomeintoYourkingdom”(verse42).

ScarcelyhadthewordsescapedhislipswhenJesusresponded.“Assuredly,Isaytoyoutoday,youwillbewithMeinParadise”(verse43).Marynoticedaheavenlypeacesettleoverthefaceoftheperishingman.

NearlysixhourshadpassedfromthetimethesoldiershadpoundedthespikesintoJesus’handsandfeetandhoistedthecrossintoposition.ConfidentthatHisdoomwassealed,andhavingventedtheirverbalrevengeuntiltheywerehoarse,afewofthepriestsleftfortheirhomes,underthepretenseofneedingtomakefinalpreparationsfortheSabbath.Inrealitymanyofthemwereunnervedbytheeeriedarknessthathadsettledovertheland,asthoughsomedivinejudgmentwaslooming.

Severalofthediscipleshadbeenwatchingfromadistance,poundingtheirchestsandgrievingoverthisdevastatingturnofevents.JohnwasstillstandingbesideJesus’mother,andnowhisownmotherjoinedthem.KnowingthatJesus’timewasrunningout,togethertheycautiouslydrewneartothecross.

TheSaviourstruggledtolookdownfromthecrossatHisfaithfulfriends.WeaklyHetriedtoblinkawaythedriedbloodandhungryflyinginsectsfrom

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HiseyessothatHemightfocus.LookingfirstatHismotherandthennoddingtowardJohnbyherside,Hesaid,“Woman,beholdyourson!”ThenHeturnedhiseyestoJohnandsaid,“Beholdyourmother!”AsHesaidthisHeclearlynoddedtowardMaryofNazareth,notJohn’snaturalmother.ThewifeofZebedeewasdeeplymovedbythethoughtfulnessofJesusforHisownmotherduringHisdyinghours.

JohnalsorealizedthatJesuswascommittingthecareofHisdearestearthlytietoHisclosestfriend.JohnmovedclosertoMaryandplacedasympatheticarmaroundhershoulders,indicatingthatheunderstoodandacceptedthissacred,livinglegacy.Andfromthathouron,JohnandhismothertookMaryintotheirownhomeandtreatedherasfamily.

Jesus’breathinggrewmoreshallow.AsHehunglimpfromthespikesinHishands,itwasnearlyimpossibletospeakaboveawhisper.HetriedtopushHimselfup,butthistransferredmoreweighttothenailsinHisfeet.ThismadeHimtremblewithnewwavesofpain.HoarselyHechokedoutadireplea,“Ithirst!”(John19:28).SuddenlyJesustookinachestfulofairandcriedwithaloudvoice,inHisnativeAramaic,saying,“Eloi,Eloi,lamasabachthani!”—MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveYouforsakenMe?”(Mark15:34).

SomeoftheRomanswhostoodclosebymisunderstoodthisdeclaration.KnowingtheJewswerewaitingforthereturnofElijah,theysaid,“ThisManiscallingforElijah!”Oneofthementookasponge,filleditwithsourwinevinegar,putitonareed,andofferedittoHimtodrink.

Hopingthiswaswater,JesuscranedHisnecktothespongetosootheHis

swollen,parchedlips.Upontastingthebitterpotion,HeturnedawayHishead,

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eventhoughHisdrythroatcriedoutforanymoisture.ItwasimperativethatHekeepHismindclear,fortheeternalfateofthelosthumanracewasatstake.

ThepresenceofSatanhimselfcouldbefeltinthevicinity.Hewasworkingdesperately,withallhiscunningandpower,toenticetheSonofGodtosinjustonce.Heknewthatthenallhumanitywouldbehopelesslylost.

SuddenlyJesuscriedoutagain,withtrumpetlikeresonance,“Father,intoYourhands,Icommitmyspirit!”(Luke23:46).ThenwithacleartoneoftriumphHeannounced,“Itisfinished!”(John19:30).

WiththosewordsthelastmortalbreathpassedfromtheSaviour’slungs.HisbloodyheaddroppedtillHischinrestedlimponHischest.Therewasamomentofdeafeningsilence,thenblack,angrycloudsbegantoswirlandclashoverhead,asthoughnatureitselfwasmourningandprotestingthedeathoftheCreator.Theveryearthbegantoshiver;soonthequiveringgrewintoafull-blownearthquake.

Justasthepanic-strickenpeoplebegantoyelpandpray,thequakingstopped.

Whenthecenturioninchargeoftheexecutionbeheldthisrapidandsupernaturalsequenceofevents,hewascompelledbytheSpiritofGodtoarticulatewhatallwerethinking:“TrulythisManwastheSonofGod!”(Mark15:39).

AfterJesushaddiedandthegroundhadceasedtrembling,adreadfulsilencehungintheair.TheremainingleaderswhohadbeenforemostinmockingChristnowworepale,twisted,stupefiedexpressions.Theirdiscomfiturewascompoundedwhennextaterror-strickenmessengerfromtheTemplecamerunningandshoutingthatallofJerusalemwasinastateofpanicandconfusion.

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“JustbeforethepriestofferedthePassoversacrifice,”themessengersaid,“theholyveilinsidetheTemplewastornintwo,exposingtheHoliestPlace.Theshockedpriestdroppedhisknife,whilethelambwiggledfreefromhiscordsanddisappearedintothehorrifiedcrowd.”

ThePhariseeslookedgravelyatoneanother.Thiswasaverybadomen.Asifwantingtoconcealtheevidenceoftheircrime,theleadershastenedtothecityandtoPilate’spalace.TheyaskedthatJesus’bodyandtheothersberemovedfromthecrossessoasnottocastamorbidshadowontheholyproceedingsof

theSabbath.Pilate,knowingthatdeathfromcrucifixioncouldtakeseveraldays,was

amazedtolearnthatJesushaddiedsosoon.Hegaveordersthatthelegsofthetwothievesbebrokentoacceleratetheirdemise.

MaryheardthatamongthePhariseeswhoapproachedPilatewasJoseph,agoodandjustmanfromArimathea.JosephwasanoblememberoftheSanhedrincouncil,whowaslongingforthekingdomofGod.HehadnotconsentedtothedecisionoftheotherrulerstoexecuteJesus.WhentheotherleadersleftPilate’spresence,JosephlingeredbehindandaskedthegovernorifhecouldbegrantedthebodyofJesustogiveHimadecentburial.

PilatewassurprisedtoseethatoneoftheparanoidgroupseemedtorespecttheGalilean.HenoddedtoJoseph’srequestandsaid,“OncethesoldiersestablishthatHeisindeeddead,youcantakechargeofthebody.”AsascribewaswritingupapermitreflectingPilate’sorders,thegovernorcommentedtoJoseph,“MywifehadatroublingdreamaboutthisManlastnight.Youknow,therewassomethingdifferentaboutHim.”

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“Yes,Iknow,”Josephresponded.BythetimeJosephreturnedtoGolgotha,thesoldiershadjustfinished

breakingthelegsofthetwothievesoneithersideofJesus.Theywerebothonlysemiconsciousfromtheunbearablepainandtheirinabilitytoraisethemselvesandbreathe.Theirbodieshunggrotesquelyfromtheirhandsandtheysuckedinairinshort,laboredgasps.

Theremainingcrowdofscoffers,satisfiedthattheirtaskwascomplete,begantodissipate,takingwiththematerriblesenseofforebodingthatsomethingominoushadhappenedonthehillofCalvarythatday.

ButMary,withJohnandthemotherofJesus,alongwithsomeoftheotherdisciplesandloyalfriends,refusedtoabandontheirwatch.MarysawJosephpresentapapertothecenturionwhereinPilatehadgrantedhimcustodyofJesus’body.Thecenturion,inturn,orderedhismentolowerthecrosssothedisciplescouldremovetheremainsoftheirLeader.Butbeforethiswasdone,oneofthehardenedsoldiers,wantingtoconfirmthatJesuswasindeeddead—andperhapstoventafinalinsultontheJewishnation—jabbedhisspearintothesideofJesus’body.Immediatelytwodistinctstreamspouredfromthewound—oneofblood,theotherclear,likewater.Thesurprisedguardsstoodbackandwaiteduntilthestrangeflowstopped,thencommencedloweringthetree.

“Abrokenheart.”Forthefirsttimethatday,MaryheardMatthewspeak.“Hediedfromabrokenheart,”Matthewsaid,pointingtothepuddleofwaterandbloodminglingatthefootofthecross.“Thatiswhatcausesthebloodandwatertoseparate.”

Marywaswonderinghowthisformerpublican

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wouldknowsuchthings,butshestillbelievedhewasright.Astenderlyaspossible,thedisciplesremovedtheuglynailsfromthehands

andfeetoftheirfallenLeader.Josephtookchargeoftheoperation,tellingthesmallassemblythathebelievedthatJesuswasagreatprophetofGod.Heexplainedthatiftheywouldallowhim,hewouldliketodonatehisowntomb,whichwaslocatedinanearbygarden.Havingnocontingencyplanforthistragedy,theyallhumblyacceptedJoseph’sgenerousoffer.

JustthenNicodemusappearedwithtwoservants.AfterJesushaddied,hehadgonetothecityandpurchasedanexpensivemixtureofmyrrhandaloes,alongwithsomelinentowrapJesus’body.JosephprovidedastretchertotransportHisremains.Astheybegantheirsolemnmarchtothetomb,MarysawNicodemuswalkbacktothecrossandtakethesigndeclaring“Jesus,theKingoftheJews.”Hecarefullyrolledtheparchmentandplaceditinhisrobe.

Whenthelittlegroupreachedthetombtheywerepleasedtoseeitwassurroundedbyabeautifulgardenarea.JosephinstructedthemtospreadasheetonthegroundandstraightenJesus’batteredbodyinpreparationforcleaningandwrappingbeforeplacingitinthetomb.MaryplacedherhandonthearmofJesus’motherandaskedwithpleadingeyesifshecouldwrapHisfeet.Hismothernoddedandsaid,“IrememberthefirsttimeIwrappedHiminstripsofclothandlaidHiminastonetroughforfeedinganimals.Itwasnotfarfromhere.”Thensheadded,“Hewassuchagoodlittlebaby.”Atthatshebrokeintoafreshoutburstoftears.

OnlyafewremainingstreaksofsunlightgildedthewesterncloudsasJosephandthewomenfinished

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wrappingthestillformofGod’sSonandplacedHimonastoneledgeinsidethetomb.TheycouldhearthetrumpetechofromthewallsofJerusalemsignalingthelatehour.“Thesunwillsoonbedown,”JosephofArimatheacalledintotheopeningofthegravewherethewomenwerelingering.HegentlycautionedthemthattheholySabbathwasfastapproaching.

Mary,Clopas’wife,lookedaroundandsuddenlyrealizedhowdarkithadbecomeinthetomb.“TheMasterwouldnotbepleasedifwedesecratethesacredhoursofHisSabbath,evenwithourlaboroflove,”shesaid.

Maryknelt,silentlyweeping,herhandrestingonJesus’wrappedfeet.Hisbodynowlookedlikeabutterflycocoon.Marythought,Oh,ifonlyHecouldthrowasidethisclothandspreadHiswings!

Maryfeltahandonhershoulder.ItwasMartha.EversinceMaryhadlefttheupperroomthatmorning,Marthahadworriedaboutheryoungersister.Shehadmanagedtotrackhertothetomb,knowingifshecouldfindJesusshewouldfindMarycloseby.“Let’sgohomenow,Mary,”sheurged.ButMarydidn’tmove.Hermoisteyesfocusedonadropofbloodthathadmanagedtoseepthroughthenewwhitelinen.OnlyafewweeksearlierthetwosistershadperformedthissametaskfortheirbrotherLazarus,buttherewasnobloodthen.NowLazaruswasaliveandJesuswasdead.

Couldthisreallyhavehappened?MarthaknewitwouldbeespeciallydifficultforheryoungersistertoleaveJesus’side.“WecanstillpreparespicesandoilbeforetheSabbath,andcompleteourtaskwhenthesacredhoursarepast,”shesaid.

AdazedMaryslowlysteppedfromthetomb,almostwalkingbackwardsinanefforttokeephereyes

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onJesus’body.ShefeltasthoughherheartwouldbeburiedwiththeMaster.Johnandseveraloftheotherapostlesstoodoutsidethegarden.Theheavy

silencewasbrokenasPhilippoundedhisfistonhisbreast.“Howcouldtheydoit?Heneverhurtanyone!”

WithtearsThomasadded,“WeshouldneverhaveleftHim!WeforsookHim.”

AtasignalfromJoseph,severalstrongmenwithpolesandleversrolledthemassivestoneintoposition.

MarytouchedJoseph’sarm.“Kindsir,wearenotfinishedpreparingHisbody!”

“Iknow,madam,”Josephrespondedwithhisheadbowed,“butwecan’tleavethetombopen.Theanimalswillcome...”

Meanwhile,Joseph’sservantswerehavingdifficultybudgingthehugestone.Theylookedtowardthedisciples.“Master,couldtheseGalileanshelpus?”theyasked.

Thoughnumbwithgrief,thedisciplesshuffledovertothestoneandaddedtheirstrengthtothegrimtask.Onlywithallstrainingtogetherdidtheyfinallysucceedinrollingtheenormousstoneintoposition.

Seeingthetombsealedwiththelargestonebroughtaterribleandfinalrealitytotheeventsoftheday.Maryburstintoanewwaveoftearsandsobbing,whichsoonbroughtachainreactionofgrievingfromthewholesmallassemblyofdisciples.

Asonebyonetheyrecoveredtheircomposure,theyreluctantlywalkedawayfromthetomb.BetweensobsMaryaskedhersister,“HowwillwegetbackinsidetofinishpreparingHisbody?”

BeforeMarthacouldanswer,Jesus’mothersaid,“Godwillprovideaway.”

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TheStudy

LUKE23:50-56“Nowbehold,therewasamannamedJoseph,acouncilmember,agoodand

justman.Hehadnotconsentedtotheircounselanddeed.HewasfromArimathea,acityoftheJews,whohimselfwasalsowaitingforthekingdomofGod.ThismanwenttoPilateandaskedforthebodyofJesus.Thenhetookitdown,wrappeditinlinen,andlaiditinatombthatwashewnoutoftherock,wherenoonehadeverlainbefore.ThatdaywasthePreparation,andtheSabbathdrewnear.AndthewomenwhohadcomewithHimfromGalileefollowedafter,andtheyobservedthetombandhowHisbodywaslaid.Thentheyreturnedandpreparedspicesandfragrantoils.AndtheyrestedontheSabbathaccordingtothecommandment.”

MARK15:43-46,KJV“JosephofArimathaea,anhonourablecounsellor,whichalsowaitedforthe

kingdomofGod,came,andwentinboldlyuntoPilate,andcravedthebodyofJesus.AndPilatemarvelledifhewerealreadydead:andcallinguntohimthecenturion,heaskedhimwhetherhehadbeenanywhiledead.Andwhenhe[Pilate]knewitofthecenturion,hegavethebodytoJoseph.Andhe[Joseph]boughtfinelinen,andtookhimdown,andwrappedhiminthelinen,andlaidhiminasepulchrewhichwashewnoutofarock,androlledastoneuntothedoorofthesepulchre.”

JOHN19:38-42“Afterthis,JosephofArimathea,beingadiscipleofJesus,butsecretly,for

fearoftheJews,askedPilatethathemighttakeawaythebodyofJesus;and

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Pilategavehimpermission.SohecameandtookthebodyofJesus.AndNicodemus,whoatfirstcametoJesusbynight,alsocame,bringingamixtureofmyrrhandaloes,aboutahundredpounds.ThentheytookthebodyofJesus,andbounditinstripsoflinenwiththespices,asthecustomoftheJewsistobury.NowintheplacewhereHewascrucifiedtherewasagarden,andinthegardenanewtombinwhichnoonehadyetbeenlaid.SotheretheylaidJesus,becauseoftheJews’PreparationDay,forthetombwasnearby.”

RESTINGINTHETOMBInhisimmortalbookPilgrim’sProgressJohnBunyanwrote,“Isawinmy

dreamthatjustasChristiancameuptothecross,hisburdenloosedfromhisshouldersandfellfromhisbackandbegantotumbletillitcametothemouthofthesepulcher,whereitfellinandIsawitnomore.ThenwasChristiangladandlightsomeandsaidwithamerryheart,‘Hehasgivenmerestbyhissorrow,andlifebyhisdeath.’”

It’samazinghowthereligiousleadersatJesus’crucifixioncouldbesoobsessedwiththeletterofthelaw,notwantingthebodiesleftonthecrossesduringtheSabbath,andentirelymissingthespiritofthelaw.JesuswastheveryessenceoftheSabbath-dayrest.

InthegreatinvitationJesusbeckons,“CometoMe,allyouwholaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matt.11:28).

ItwasnocoincidencethatJesusdiedjustbeforetheSabbathbegan.HehadcompletedHisworkofredemptionwhenHedeclared,“Itisfinished!”ThenthroughtheSabbathHerestedinthetombfromHisworkofsavingman.HeroseSundaymorningtocontinueHisworkasourhighpriest,

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pleadingHisownbloodandmeritsbeforetheFather.OnthefirstSabbathday,inEden,theLordrestedfromHisworkofcreation.NowJesuswasrestingfromHisworkofre-creation.

ItisinterestingtonotethatJesusspentsevenhoursonthecross.Hesuffered

sixhours,fromwhatwewouldcall9:00a.m.till3:00p.m.AfterHedied,HerestedquietlyonthecrossforaboutanhourwhileJosephobtainedpermissiontoremoveandburyHisbody(Mark15:25,34).

Jesusspentsevenhoursonthecross:sixhourssufferingandoneresting.SomehavesuggestedthatbyJesus’deathandresurrectionHeabolishedor

changedtheSabbathday.Nothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth.Infact,Jesus’disciplesweresoconsciousofHisreverenceforthisholydaythattheywouldnotevenventuretofinishembalmingHisbodyforfearofdesecratingtheSabbathwiththeirlaboroflove.

Theyreturnedhomeandpreparedspicesandfragrantoils.ThentheyrestedontheSabbathaccordingtothecommandment(Luke23:56).

NAILEDTOTHECROSSThoughtheTenCommandmentswerenotchangedorabrogatedbythedeath

ofJesus,itistruethatcertainceremoniallawswerecanceledorfulfilledbythedeathofChrist.Paulwrites:“Andyou,beingdeadinyoursinsandtheuncircumcisionofyourflesh,hathhequickenedtogetherwithhim,havingforgivenyoualltrespasses;blottingoutthehandwritingofordinancesthatwasagainstus,whichwascontrarytous,andtookitoutoftheway,nailingittohiscross;andhavingspoiledprincipalitiesandpowers,hemadeashewofthemopenly,triumphingovertheminit.Let

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nomanthereforejudgeyouinmeat,orindrink,orinrespectofanholyday,orofthenewmoon,orofthesabbathdays:whichareashadowofthingstocome;butthebodyisofChrist”(Col.2:13-17,KJV).

SowhatlawswerenailedtothecrossofJesus?Thisisaveryimportantquestion.Theanswerisgiveninthetextjustquoted—“thehandwritingofordinancesthatwasagainstus.”TheTenCommandmentswerewrittenbythefingerofGod(Ex.31:18),buttheceremoniallawswerewrittenbythehandofMoses:“OnlyiftheyarecarefultodoallthatIhavecommandedthem,accordingtothewholelawandthestatutesandtheordinancesbythehandofMoses”(2Chron.33:8).

Itwastheceremoniallawssuchascircumcision,whichisspecificallymentionedinColossians2:13,andannualJewishsabbathdayssuchasPassoverthatwerenailedtothecross.Theseventh-daySabbathwaspartoftheDecalogueanddatesbacktoEden,beforesin,aspartofGod’sperfecteternalplan(Gen.

2:2,3).Theseventh-daySabbathisofanenduringnatureandwillstillbeobservedbytheredeemedeveninthenewearth(Isa.56:6;66:23).TheTenCommandmentswerewrittenonstone,anditisimpossibletonailstonetowood.

HISLASTWILLInthefinalhoursofJesus’life,asHehungonthecrossHeutteredHislast

willandtestamentregardingHismosttreasuredassets.HebequeathedHisclothestotheworld,HisforgivenesstoHisenemies,HismothertothediscipleJohn,andHisspirittoHisFather.

WhenJesuswasborn,HismotherhadgentlywrappedHiminstripsofclothandlaidHiminamanger.NowshehadtodoitagainandlayHimina

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tomb(John19:40-42).HisfriendstookthebodyofJesusandbounditinstripsoflinenwiththespices,aswasthecustomoftheJewsinburial.

“WhenJosephhadtakenthebody,hewrappeditinacleanlinencloth,andlaiditinhisnewtombwhichhehadhewnoutoftherock;andherolledalargestoneagainstthedoorofthetomb,anddeparted.AndMaryMagdalenewasthere,andtheotherMary,sittingoppositethetomb”(Matt.27:59-61).

DEADTOSINWhenthepiratecaptainsofoldburiedtheirtreasurechests,topreservethe

secretofthetreasure’slocationoftentheywouldkillthesailorwhohelpedthemdigthehole,saying,“Deadmentellnotales.”It’struethatdeadpeopledonottalk,lie,orsin.Itmaysoundlikeaparadox,butChristianscannotfullyliveuntiltheyfirstspirituallydie.

“ThenJesussaidtoHisdisciples,‘IfanyonedesirestocomeafterMe,lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscross,andfollowMe.Forwhoeverdesirestosavehislifewillloseit,butwhoeverloseshislifeforMysakewillfindit’”(Matt.16:24,25).

Deadbodiesareneveroffendedatafuneral.Theyneversitupandcomplainaboutwhatissaidduringtheeulogy,orworrythattheyarenotbeingburiedintheirfavoriteclothes.

Mostoften,thereasonwesin,loseourtemper,orpoutisthattheoldcarnal,selfishnatureisnotdeadandburiedwithJesus.ThisiswhyPaulsaid,“Forhe

whohasdiedhasbeenfreedfromsin”(Rom.6:7),and“Idiedaily”(1Cor.15:31).

InRomans6:11weread,“Likewisereckonyealsoyourselvestobedeadindeeduntosin,butaliveuntoGodthroughJesusChristourLord”(KJV).To

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claimthispromise,wemustbecomedeadtothesinfulhabitsthatformerlyenslavedus.Justasacorpsecannotbetemptedbecauseitcan’trespondtotemptation,soalsoChristianswillbeunresponsivetotemptationiftheyaredeadtosin.Saytoyourself:“Icannomorerespondtothatsinfultemptationthanadeadpersoncould.Iconsidermyselftobedeadtothatsinfulthing.”

Itseemsthatourmindsaregearedtorememberthingsin“threes,”sowhenyouaretemptedbySatanonanypoint,rememberthis“one-two-three”planandsayitoutloud:

1.“No!Ichoosetonotdothissinanymore.”2.“ThankYou,God,forthevictory.”3.“I’mdeadtothissin.”WhenMaryleftthetombshewasdeadtosin.

MOSTFAMOUSVERSEProbablyoneofthemostwell-known,beloved,andmemorizedversesinthe

BibleisJohn3:16.ButIwouldventuretoguessthatifyouweretoaskaverageChristianswhatthetwoversesthatprecedeJohn3:16are,notonein50couldquotethem.Mostpeopleforgetthatthatimmortalverseisthecontinuationofathoughtfoundintheprecedingtwoverses.Heretheyaretogether:

“AndasMoseslifteduptheserpentinthewilderness,evensomusttheSonofmanbeliftedup:thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeternallife.ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife”(John3:14-16,KJV).

Inthesethreeversesyouhaveinmicrocosmtheentiregreatcontroversy,thecosmicconflictbetween

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theserpentandtheLord.Let’slookattheoriginalstoryonceagain.“AndthepeoplespokeagainstGodandagainstMoses:‘Whyhaveyou

broughtusupoutofEgypttodieinthewilderness?Forthereisnofoodandnowater,andoursoulloathesthisworthlessbread.’SotheLordsentfieryserpentsamongthepeople,andtheybitthepeople;andmanyofthepeopleofIsraeldied”(Num.21:5,6).

Rememberthatsinenteredtheworldwhentheserpent,thedevil,succeededintemptingourfirstparentstodoubtGod’sword.InthisstoryinNumbers,aftertheIsraelitesrejectedGod’sbread(breadisasymbolforJesusandtheBible),theserpentsbitthem.ItistheWordofGodthatkeepsusfromsin(Ps.119:11).Let’sreadoninNumbers:

“ThereforethepeoplecametoMoses,andsaid,‘Wehavesinned,forwehavespokenagainsttheLordandagainstyou;praytotheLordthatHetakeawaytheserpentsfromus.’SoMosesprayedforthepeople.ThentheLordsaidtoMoses,‘Makeafieryserpent,andsetitonapole;anditshallbethateveryonewhoisbitten,whenhelooksatit,shalllive.’SoMosesmadeabronzeserpent,andputitonapole;andsoitwas,ifaserpenthadbittenanyone,whenhelookedatthebronzeserpent,helived”(Num.21:7-9).

ASNAKEONASTICKForthisnationofshepherds,theserpentliftedonapolehadastrong

symbolismthattheyallunderstoodwell.Snakesareadeadlymenacetosheep.Adogmightgetbittenbyarattlesnakeandsurvivewithoutanyspecialtreatment,butsheeparemuchmoreatrisk.Thisisoneofthereasonsshepherdscarryrodswiththem.

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WhenIlivedinthedesertmountains,Ihadasnakestickthatservedacouplepurposes.IfIfoundavenomousintruderinmycaveIwouldclubitontheheadto“bruisehishead.”Butasnake,thoughmortallywounded,mightcontinuetothrashandwritheforhours.Soratherthanriskgrabbingitwithmyhand,Iwouldliftitupwiththerodtomoveitfarawayfrommypremises.Asnakeonastickisavividsymbolofadefeatedserpent.Butevenbeyondthis,thereisamuchricherpropheticsignificancetothissymbol.InthebookPatriarchsandProphets,EllenG.Whitewrites:

“Allwhohaveeverlivedupontheearthhavefeltthedeadlystingof‘thatoldserpent,calledthedevil,andSatan’(Rev.12:9).ThefataleffectsofsincanberemovedonlybytheprovisionthatGodhasmade.TheIsraelitessavedtheirlivesbylookingupontheupliftedserpent.Thatlookimpliedfaith.Theylived

becausetheybelievedGod’sword,andtrustedinthemeansprovidedfortheirrecovery.SothesinnermaylooktoChrist,andlive.Hereceivespardonthroughfaithintheatoningsacrifice.Unliketheinertandlifelesssymbol,ChristhaspowerandvirtueinHimselftohealtherepentingsinner”(p.431).

“Thepeoplewellknewthatinitselftheserpenthadnopowertohelpthem.ItwasasymbolofChrist.Astheimagemadeinthelikenessofthedestroyingserpentswasliftedupfortheirhealing,soOnemade‘inthelikenessofsinfulflesh’wastobetheirRedeemer(Rom.8:3)”(TheDesireofAges,pp.174,175).

Jesussaid:“AndI,ifIamliftedupfromtheearth,willdrawallpeoplestoMyself”(John12:32).ItisbylookingtoJesusonthecrossthatwearedrawnbyHisloveforus.BygazinginfaithatourRedeemer’ssacrifice,wearesavedfromthestingoftheserpent.

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TWOTHIEVES,TWOHOICESThethiefwhowasredeemedintheeleventhhourisanexampleofsomeone

beingsavedbybeholdingJesusliftedup.ThetwothieveswhowerecrucifiedwithJesusrepresentthetwogreatclassesofpeoplewhohaveeverlivedoreverwilllive—thesavedandthelost;therighteousandthewicked.Noticethewaysthatthesetwodoomedmenrepresentallhumanity:

1.Bothwereguiltyofrebellion,murder,andstealing.We,too,havesinnedandcomeshortofthegloryofGod.WehaveallrebelledagainstourMaker’swill,committedmurderinourhearts,androbbedGodofthetime,means,andtalentsHehaslenttous(Rom.3:23).

2.Theycoulddonothingtosavethemselves.Picturethemhangingtherenaked,helpless,handsandfeetspikedtoacross.Icannotthinkofamorevividpictureofindividualsunabletorescuethemselves.Yetwearejustashelplesstosaveourselvesbyourgoodworksaswerethosetwothievestoeffectanescapefromthecross.

3.Thetwoofthemhadanequalopportunitytobesaved.Thoughhelplesstosavethemselves,theywereintheimmediatepresenceofthegreatestdynamoofloveandpowerinthewholecosmos.ButtheymustreachtheirsoulsoutinfaithandaskHim.We,too,areeverinthepresenceoftheSaviour;Heisonlyaprayeraway(Ps.139:7).Butmultitudeswillbelostneedlesslywhilehopinganddesiringtobesaved,becausetheydonotperformthesimpleactofasking(John16:24).

EventhoughHewassufferingthemostintenseagonyimaginable,Jesusneverfailedtohearasincerecryforhelp.ThedevilcouldnailHislovinghandstoatree,buthecouldnotpreventtheSaviourfromsaving.

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Inthestoryofthethiefonthecrosswehavetheplanofsalvationinmicrocosm.Inthosefourverses(Luke23:40-43)wecanseethebelievingthiefpassthroughallthestepsofsalvationandexperiencealltheelementsnecessaryforconversion:

1.HesawJesus“liftedup.”“AndI,ifIbeliftedupfromtheearth,willdrawallmenuntome”(John12:32,KJV).

2.HebelievedinChristasthespotlessLamb.“ThisManhasdonenothingwrong”(Luke23:41).

3.Herepentedandconfessedhisguilt.“Andweindeedjustly,forwereceivetheduerewardofourdeeds”(verse41).

4.Hetestifiedpublicly,inspiteoftheridicule,thatJesuswashisLordandKing.“Lord,...Yourkingdom”(verse42).

5.Heaskedforforgiveness.“Lord,rememberme”(verse42).6.HesufferedwithJesus.7.HediedwithChrist,andinChrist.“IhavebeencrucifiedwithChrist;itis

nolongerIwholive,butChristlivesinme”(Gal.2:20).

NEWANDOLDWINEIntheBiblewineisasymbolofthebloodofthecovenant.Remember,after

JesusheldupthecupofwineattheLastSupperHesaid,“Forthisismybloodofthenewtestament,whichisshedformanyfortheremissionofsins.ButIsayuntoyou,Iwillnotdrinkhenceforthofthisfruitofthevine,untilthatdaywhenIdrinkitnewwithyouinmyFather’skingdom”(Matt.26:28,29,KJV).

Keepinmindthatthiswasnewwine,unfermentedgrapejuice.InScripture,fermentedwinerepresentssinandacorruptedgospel,withthe

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intoxicatingdoctrinesofdevils.Speakingoftheapostatechurch,thebookofRevelationdeclares,“‘Iwillshowyouthejudgmentofthegreatharlot...,withwhomthekingsoftheearthcommittedfornication,andtheinhabitantsoftheearthweremadedrunkwiththewineofherfornication....Isawthe

woman,drunkwiththebloodofthesaintsandwiththebloodofthemartyrsofJesus”(17:1-6).

InJesus’firstmiracleHeturnedwaterintonewwineataweddingfeastinCana.HebeganHisministrybygivingfreshwineinthecontextofawedding(John2:1-11).

Jesusisthegroom,andthechurchisthebride.“Husbands,loveyourwives,justasChristalsolovedthechurch”(Eph.5:25).

InHislastmomentsonthecrossHetastedthesourwineofferedbyHistormentors.“Afterthis,Jesus,knowingthatallthingswerenowaccomplished,thattheScripturemightbefulfilled,said,‘Ithirst!’Nowavesselfullofsourwinewassittingthere;andtheyfilledaspongewithsourwine,putitonhyssop,andputittoHismouth.SowhenJesushadreceivedthesourwine,Hesaid,‘Itisfinished!’AndbowingHishead,HegaveupHisspirit”(John19:28-30).

JesusdidnotgetdrunkbeforeHedied.Matthew’sGospelmakesitclearthatHesimply“tasted”thewine.WhenHerecognizeditspotencyHewouldnotdrinkit,butHedidtasteit.“TheygaveHimsourwinemingledwithgalltodrink.ButwhenHehadtastedit,Hewouldnotdrink”(Matt.27:34).Backattheweddingparty,thesiteofJesus’firstmiracle,whentherulerofthefeasttastedthewaterthatwasmadeintowine,heaskedthehostwhyhehadsavedthebestforlast(John2:9,10).

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UpuntilthedeathofJesus,theonlybloodofferedforthesinsofhumanitywasthebloodofanimals.ThiswasasymbolofthebloodofJesus.Butananimal’sbloodcouldneverwashawayoursins.Likethehostattheweddingfeast,GodtheFathersavedthebestbloodforlastwhenHesentJesus.

ItisinterestingtonotethatthefirstmiracleJesusperformedwastogiveahumanfamilymiraculousnewwine,asymbolofHisbloodthatwouldcleanseusandmakeusworthytopartakeofthemarriagesupperoftheLamb(Rev.19:9).ThelastthingHedidbeforeHeuttered“Itisfinished”wastotastethesourwineofferedbysinfulmen.TheSaviourtradedbloodwithusandtastedsinanddeathforeveryperson.

WATER,BLOOD,ANDNEWLIFEOnThursdaynightafterJesusinitiatedthenewcovenantHeledthedisciples

acrosstheKidronValley.TheJewishhistorianJosephustellsusthatduringthePassoverweeksomanyanimalsweresacrificedintheTemplethattheKidron

ranredwithblood.ThismeansthatJesuswouldhavehadtocrossoverthebloodtoreachtheGardenofGethsemane—whereHesweatHisownblood.ThebloodoflambsmetitsantitypethatnightinthebloodofGod’sLamb(Luke22:44).

Justasababyisbornthroughbloodandwater,thechurchwasbornfromthestreamsofbloodandwaterthatsprangfromthebrokenheartofJesus.JustasGodputAdamtosleepandfromhissidebroughtoutAdam’swife,sotheFatherputJesustosleepandaspearbroughtfromHissideaflowofbloodandwater,andHisbride,thechurch,wasborn.

FromA.D.1347to1351theBlackDeathravagedEurope,killingbetweenonequarterandone

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thirdofthepopulation,about25millionpeople.TheBritishIslesalonelostabout800,000;inalltheworldasmanyas75millionperished!Thisterribleplague,aviciousformofbubonicplaguethatcoveredthebodywithablackrash,wastheworstinhistory.

Itwasnotknownatthetimethatthediseasewastransmittedtohumansbyfleasfromrats.TodayweknowthatonecurefortheBlackDeathistoreceiveabloodtransfusionfromsomeoneofthesamebloodtypewho’sbeenexposedtotheplaguebuthasnotsuccumbed.

Inlikemanner,theonlycureforthediseaseofsinistoreceiveatransfusionfromJesus,theonlyMantoliveinthissinfulworldwhodidnotbecomeinfected.Jesuscametogivethehumanraceabloodtransfusiontosaveusfromthediseaseofsin.Hethirstedthatwemighthaveourparchedsoulsquenchedwithlivingwater.

LOVEWILLSUFFERTOSAVEAslegendhasit,duringthetimeofOliverCromwellayoungsoldierin

Englandfellasleepathisguardpost.Thesoldierwastriedinmilitarycourtandsentencedtodeath.Hewastobeshotatthe“ringingofthecurfewbell.”Hearingaboutthis,hisfiancéeclimbedupintothebelltowerseveralhoursbeforecurfewtimeandtiedherselftothebell’shugeclapper.Whenatcurfewtimetheattendantyankedonthebell’sropeandonlymuffledsoundscamefromthetower,Cromwelldemandedtoknowwhythebellwasnotringing.Hissoldierswenttoinvestigateandreturnedwiththeyoungwoman.Shewasbadlycut,bruised,andbleedingfrombeingknockedbackandforthagainstthegreatbell.Cromwellwassomovedwithherwillingnesstosufferinbehalfof

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someoneshelovedthathereleasedthesoldier,saying,“Curfewshallnotringtonight.”

OnthatrockyhilloutsideJerusalemlongago,threeprisonerswereexecuted,buttherewasavastdifferencebetweenthem.Onediedtosin,onediedinsin,andOnediedforsin.Christdiedforoursins;nowwemustchooseifwewilldieinoursinsor,byfaithinJesus,dietooursins.

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M

CHAPTERSEVEN

ATJESUS’FEETINSONG:

THERESURRECTION

TheStoryarthagentlyurgedJesus’mothertocometoherhomefortheSabbath.“IknowyouhavefamilyinBethlehem,Mary,butitistwiceasfartotravel.

AndwhentheSabbathispastwecanreturntogethertoembalmHisbody.”NoticingJohnstandingatherside—they’dallheardthedyingJesuscommit

thecareofHismothertotheyoungapostle—Marthaadded,“Ofcourse,John,youarealwayswelcome.”ShealsoincludedMarythewifeofClopasinherinvitation.“WithLazarusstayinginJerusalemwiththeotherdisciples,wehaveplentyofroom.”

Clopas’wifethankedMarthabutdeclined.“MyhusbandisafraidthatCaiaphaswilltrytohaveallofJesus’followersarrested.HethinksitwouldbesaferifIwenttoEmmaus.ButIwillreturntohelpyouatthetombcomefirstday.”

AttwilightthesmallcompanyofmournersenteredthevillageofBethanyandfoundthelittletownhadnotescapedtheeffectsoftheearthquake.Theynotedthatanoldwallbythesideoftheroadhadbeenreducedtorubble,andsawsomelistingbarns.WhentheyreachedMartha’shometheywerethankfultherewasnoseriousdamagethere.Thewomen

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andJohnwaitedoutsidewhileMarthawentinsidetolightalamp.TheyoungerMarybeganweeping.ThenthemotherofJesusspoke,asifina

dream:“Thespringairtonightissoclearandmild.Howdifferentitisfromtheskyearliertoday!Ivividlyrememberitwasanightlikethismorethan34yearsagowhentheangeloftheLordappearedandtoldmeIwouldbeHismother.”

MaryMagdalene’ssobbingsubsided,andshestudiedthefaceofthisremarkablewomanreflectedinthePassovermoonlight.

ThemotherofJesuscontinued,“NowIknowwhattheprophetSimeonmeant.WhenJesuswasaninfant,Simeonprophesiedthataswordwouldpiercethroughmyownsoul.Iknownowthatthisisthedayofwhichhespoke.”

Marthareturnedtothedoor,andtheyallfiledintoherhome.Theflickeringlightfromtheclaylampdancedonthewallsandceilingasthesmallgroupsatforseveralhoursinshockedsilence,staringatthesmallflame.Marywasstillgratefulthathersister,Martha,hadinvitedthemhere.Itwarmedherheart,beingclosetotheoneswholovedHimmost.Shesatstaring,numbandmesmerizedbythelittlelight.Shewasstartledtorealitywhenshesawamothflyintotheflame,thendropwoundedandflutteringbythelamp.

Inthedevastatingdistractionsoftheday,Marthahadneglectedtoaddoiltothelamp,soastheywatched,thelittleflame,starvedoffuel,slowlyfaded.Onebyonethemournersretiredtovariouscornersofthedwellingtorestuntildawn.Fromtimetotimethroughoutthenight,someonewouldreleaseaninvoluntarymoanorasobastheawfulrealityoftheday’seventsbrokeafresh.

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Marylayonherusualcotbythekitchen.AfewdaysearlierLazarushadpulledbackthesummertilesfromtheroofoverthecookingarea.Thismadeitpossibleforhertolookupandseethestars.Theyweresoclearandbeautiful.Whywastheresomuchsufferinganddeathintheworld?Sheprayedinherheart,Father,Idon’tunderstandwhyallthishashappened,butIbelieveYouaregood,becauseJesussaidHewasjustlikeYou.IwillstilltrustYou.Butplease,helpmeunderstand.HowcanIlivewithoutHim?Somehow,MaryfeltafamiliarpeaceaftercommuningwiththeFather,andshefinallydriftedofftosleep,thoroughlyexhausted.

OnthefollowingmorningtheydressedforSabbath.Wantingtoavoidthecrowds,theychosetogotothesmallsynagogueinBethany.Onlyafewpeoplewerethere—somechildrenunder12whoweretooyoungtoattendthefeast,andafewoftheolderfolksnotstrongenoughtomakethejourneytoJerusalem.EveryoneelsewasinthecityforthePassover.

ThehoursoftheSabbaththathadalwaysbeensorichandblessedwithJesuspresentnowseemedhollowwithoutHim.Astheoldrabbistoodtoreadfromthebookoftheprophets,hechosetoreadfromthescrollofIsaiah,beginningwherehehadleftoffthepreviousweek:“‘SurelyHehasborneourgriefsandcarriedoursorrows;yetweesteemedHimstricken,smittenbyGod,andafflicted.ButHewaswoundedforourtransgressions,Hewasbruisedforouriniquities;thechastisementforourpeacewasuponHim,andbyHisstripeswearehealed.

“‘Allwelikesheephavegoneastray;wehaveturned,everyone,tohisownway;andtheLordhaslaidonHimtheiniquityofusall.

“‘HewasoppressedandHewasafflicted,yetHe

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openednotHismouth;Hewasledasalambtotheslaughter,andasasheepbeforeitsshearersissilent,soHeopenednotHismouth.

“‘Hewastakenfromprisonandfromjudgment,andwhowilldeclareHisgeneration?ForHewascutofffromthelandoftheliving;forthetransgressionsofMypeopleHewasstricken.AndtheymadeHisgravewiththewicked—butwiththerichatHisdeath,becauseHehaddonenoviolence,norwasanydeceitinHismouth.

“‘YetitpleasedtheLordtobruiseHim;HehasputHimtogrief.WhenYoumakeHissoulanofferingforsin,HeshallseeHisseed,HeshallprolongHisdays,andthepleasureoftheLordshallprosperinHishand.HeshallseethetravailofHissoul,andbesatisfied.ByHisknowledgeMyrighteousServantshalljustifymany,forHeshallbeartheiriniquities’”(Isa.53:4-11).

Longbeforetherabbifinishedreading,thegrievingdisciplesbegantolookatoneanotherinastonishment.Bytheirglancestheyknewtheywerethinkingthesamething.CouldthisMessianicprophecybespeakingofJesus?Theyrememberedwhen,threeyearsearlier,JohntheBaptistdeclaredthatJesuswas“theLambofGodwhotakesawaythesinoftheworld!”

Backatthehouse,Marthaservedasimplemeal,butnonecouldbringthemselvestoeat.Astheygatheredaboutthetable,Johnsaid,“NowIunderstandwhattheMastermeantwhenHesaid,‘Canthefriendsofthebridegroommournaslongasthebridegroomiswiththem?Butthedayswillcomewhenthebridegroomwillbetakenawayfromthem,andthentheywillfast’”(Matt.9:15).

LaterthatSabbathafternoonLazarusarrived

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fromthecitywithThomas.Thesmallbandofwomenpliedthemwithquestions.Thesetwodiscipleswereaninterestingpair.Lazaruswastheeternal

optimist,whileThomasoftenfocusedonnegativepossibilities.“ThePassoverservicesintheTempletodaywereintotaldisarray,”Thomas

said.“Evidently,whentheMastergaveupthespirityesterday,thethickveilintheTemplewastornfromtoptobottom,exposingtheHolyofHoliest!”

Lazarusadded,“PriestsintheTemplesaiditlookedasthoughthehandofanangelhadtornthecurtainintwo.”

“Yes,butthehighpriestclaimsitwascausedfromtheearthquakeyesterday.”Thomas’cynicismcouldbeheardinhistone.

Lazaruscontinued,“WealsoheardtodaythatthereligiousleadersapproachedPilatetosecureacenturionandhissoldierstoguardthetomb.TheyclaimwemightbeplanningtostealtheLord’sbody.”

“YoumeantheywenttoPilateontheholySabbath?”innocentJohnchimedin.“Whathypocrites!WhentheyhadPilatetryJesus,theywouldnotevengointothejudgmenthallwhilethepeoplewerewatching,underpretenseofnotwantingtodefilethemselves.”

AfrowndeepenedonMartha’sface.“That’snottheissue,John.Wealreadyknewthatthesemenarecorrupt.ThequestionisHowwillwefinishanointingHisbodywith100soldiersguardingthetomb?”

Aftersundownprayers,thebandofJesus’followersdispersedinalldirections.LazarusandJohnreturnedtoJerusalem.Thomas,fearingitwastoodangeroustoremaininJerusalem,decidedtostaywithhiscousininBethany.Thewomenscattered

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tothehomesofseveralfriendstocollectthenecessaryoilsandspicesfortreatingJesus’body.WhilenoneofthemhadresolvedhowtheywouldgetpasttheRomanguardsormovethemassivestone,theyplannedtoreturntothetombatfirstlightandcompletetheirtask,andbidtheirfinalfarewelltotheirJesus.

Noneofthewomensleptthatnight.TheshockofJesus’murderandthedisturbingeventsofthedaykeptthemallunsettled,confused,andafraid.Marthaknewfromthesoundoftheotherwomen’sbreathingthateveryonewasawake.Sowithtwohoursleftbeforedaybreakshearoseandlittheoillamp.“Wemightaswellgonowaslater,”sheannouncedtoherguests.“Theearlierwearrive,thelessattentionwewillattractfromHisenemies.”

AsMartha’seyesadjustedtothelamplight,shelookedabouttheroom.“Where’sMary?”Findingthelongnighthoursunbearable,Martha’syoungersisterhadquietlyslippedoutintothedarkness.Drawnbyimmeasurableloveandignoringherfears,Marymadeherwaytothetomb,alone.

ItwasstilldarkwhentheotherwomenbegantheirjourneytoJerusalem.Pressingcloselytogethertoavoidstumblingonthenarrowroad,theyrecountedChrist’sworksofmercyandHiswordsofcomfort.

AstheynearedtheplaceofHisburial,theycameuponalonefigure—MarythewifeofClopas.ShehadtraversedthesevenmilesfromEmmausalonetohelpthem.Followingasubduedgreeting,Clopas’wifeechoedtheotherwomen’snaggingquestion:“Whoisgoingtorollawaythestoneforus?”

Beforeanyonecouldrespond,abrilliantwhiteflashoflightningcamefromthecloudlesspredawnsky.Itstruckinthevicinityofthegardentomb.For

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aninstant,allwasasbrightasnoon,leavingthewomenmomentarilyblinded.Theearthbeneaththeirfeettrembledandrolled.ThemotherofJesusgrabbedholdofMarthatokeepfromlosingherbalance.Marthaspilledsomeofthespicesandoilshewascarryingasthebewilderedwomenhelplesslyclungtooneanother.

Asquicklyastheearthquakebeganitsubsided.UpaheadtheyheardfranticshoutsandscreamsintheLatintongue.TheystaredinsurpriseasalargebandofmenscrambleduptheroadtoJerusalem.Astheyran,someofthemstaggeredandfellasiftheyweredrunk.Thefaintglimmerofarmorintheearly-morninglightindicatedthatthefleeingmenmustbeRomansoldiers.

Thewomenstoodtransfixed,watchingthespectacle.“Somethingwonderfulhashappened,”Jesus’motherwhispered.Afterafew

momentsofominoussilence,thewomensilentlyproceededinthedirectionoftheMaster’stomb.

MaryMagdalenearrivedatthetombmomentsaftertheflashoflightandtheearthquake.Shecautiouslymovedintothegardenclearinganddiscoveredthatthestonehadbeenrolledaway.HerfirstthoughtwasthattheguardshadremovedJesus’body.DistressedatthethoughtoflosingeventheremainsofhermostpreciousFriend,sherushedtotheopengraveandguardedlypeeredinside.AnunearthlylightseemedtobeilluminatingtheplacewhereJesushadlain.Butthetombwasempty;Hisbodywasnotthere.

Inanguishandshock,Marystaredinsilenceatthevacantledge,barelybreathing.Thenshesteppedoutofthetombandglancedabout,dazedandastonished.

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Imustfindthedisciples,shethought.They’llknowwhattodo.ThegrievingwomanturnedandhurriedupthepaththeshortdistancetoHerod’sGateandintoJerusalem.WhenshearrivedatthehouseofJohnMark,shefoundPeterandJohnawakeandtalkingquietlyontheroofpatio.

Maryscamperedupthestairsandgasped,“TheyhavetakentheLordfromthetomb,andwedonotknowwheretheyhavelaidHim!”AlthoughMaryhadn’tmeanttostartlethem,theedgydisciplesjumpedatthesoundofhervoice.

Peterwasthefirsttorecover.“Whatdidyousay?”hedemanded.Marytriedtocatchherbreathbetweenherwords.“I’vebeentothetomb.

Hisbodyisgone.Thestoneisrolledaway.Thesoldiersaregonetoo!”JohnglancedtowardPeter.“Whowoulddothis?”hewondered.“Idon’tknow,”Peterreplied,“butweshouldgoseeforourselveswhathas

happened.”“Shouldwewaketheothers?”Johnasked.“No,”Peteranswered.“Thismaybeatraptheleadersareusingtoeliminate

therestofus.Infact,Iwillgoalone.Itcouldbedangerous.”“AsGodlives,”Johnvowed,“Iwillgowithyou!”Asthemenquietlyrusheddownthestairsanduptothecitygates,theynoted

thattheRomanguardswerenotattheirpost.Assoonasheclearedthegate,youngJohnbrokeintoafullrunandPeterstruggledtokeepupwithhim.

Withoutwaitingforpermission,Marydecidedtofollowthem.ShefeltstrangelydrawntotheplacewhereshehadlastseenherJesus.ShewasdeterminedtodiscoverwhathadbecomeofHisbody.

Marthaandtheotherwomenenteredtheclearing

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andfoundRomanswords,helmets,andshieldsscatteredabouttheareawhereJesushadbeenburied.Mary,Clopas’wife,gaspedandpointed.TheywereallstartledbyatallstrangerwearingalongwhiterobewhosatuponthecrackedstonethathadcoveredthemouthofJesus’grave.Thehugestonehadbeenrolledfarawayfromtheentranceandbroken,asthoughSamsonhadflungitasideinanger.

Thekind-lookingmanonthestoneofferedareassuringsmiletothefrightenedwomen.Recognizingtheirfear,hesaid,“Donotbeafraid,forIknowthatyouseekJesuswhowascrucified.Heisnothere;forHeisrisen,asHesaid”(Matt.28:5,6).Thestrangergracefullygesturedwithhishandtowardthechamberinthehillside.“Come,seetheplacewheretheLordlay”(verse6).

Thetallmessengersmoothlyslippedoffthestoneandwalkedtowardthetomb.“Lookforyourselves,”hesaidcheerfully,motioningtowardtheentrance.

Jesus’motherstaredatthefaceofthisnoblebeing.Thenhesmiled,andsherecognizedhimastheangelGabriel,whohadannouncedJesus’birth34yearsearlier.

Asthebewilderedwomentriedtodigesttheperplexingturnofevents,the

motherofJesusmovedcautiouslytowardthetomb’sentrance.Theotherwomentimidlyfollowed.Thoughfrightened,stepbysteptheymoved,witharesolvebornoflovefortheirLord.Theunearthlylightstillglowedwithinthetomb.Inside,theysawanotherbeingsittingontheledgewheretheyhadplacedJesus’bodyFridayevening.Thisstrangersaid,“Whydoyouseekthelivingamongthedead?Heisnothere,butisrisen!RememberhowHespoketoyouwhenHewasstillinGalilee,saying,‘TheSonofmanmustbedelivered

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intothehandsofsinfulmen,andbecrucified,andthethirddayriseagain’”(Luke24:5-7).

Thestunnedwomenbackedoutoftherock-hewntomb.InawhisperMartharepeatedthewordsoftheangel,atfirstasaquestion,“Heisrisen?Heisrisen?”Thenshesaiditasafact,“Heisrisen!”ThenMarthadidsomethingcompletelyoutofcharacter—shetossedasidethebagofembalmingspicesandranasfastasshecouldtowardJerusalem.Theotherwomenfollowedclosebehind.

TheyhadscarcelystartedupthenarrowtrailwhentheynearlycollidedwithJohn,Peter,andthenMaryMagdalene.Excitedandalmosthystericalwithjoyandconfusion,thewomen,allatonce,triedtotellthemwhattheyhadseenandheard.

TheastonishmentontheirfacestoldPetersomethingamazinghadhappened.“Goandtelltheothersinthecitywhatyouhaveseen!”hecommanded.

BeforePeterfinishedspeaking,Johnboltedtowardthetombtoseefirsthandwhathadhappened.HestoppedintheclearingandsurveyedtheabandonedarmamentsfromtheRomanguard,thenlookedatthemassivestone.Johnthought,Whatterrificforcecouldmoveitsofar?Butthemessengersthewomenspokeofappearedtobegone.

Pantingandoutofbreath,PeterandMarycameupbehindhim.“Couldtheearthquakehavedonethis?”Johnqueried.

“No!”Petershookhisheadresolutely.“Anearthquakecouldneverdothat.”Johnwalkedtothetombandpeeredinside.Peterdidn’tevenpause,but

boldlystrodeinside.Thetombwasemptyexceptforthetwoarticlesofneatlyfoldedburialcloth.WithtremblingfingersJohntouchedthelinen.“Itmustbetrue!”

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Peternodded.“OnlyJesuswouldtakethetimetofoldthese.Butwhereis

He?”“Idon’tknow.”Johnglancedaboutnervously.“Butwe’dbetterleave.The

soldiersmightreturnandblameusforbreakingPilate’ssealandstealingJesus’body.”

ThetwodisciplesemergedfromthetombtothefirstraysofthemorningsunthatwerealreadygildingthewallsofJerusalem.Marystoodmotionlessanddazed,huggingherselfagainstthespringmorningchill.

“Wemustgo,Mary.”Johngentlytouchedherarm.“Theguardmayreturn.”Marynodded,butremainedtransfixedbytheconfusingscenebeforeheras

PeterandJohnhurriedupthetrail.Regardlessofthedanger,shecouldnotbringherselftoleavetheplace.ShehadanoverwhelmingconsciousnessthatJesuswasnotfaraway.

DesperatelyhopingtofindherLordwhereshelastsawHim,shewalkedslowlyonceagaintotherockchamber.Withonehandonthestonewall,shestoopedandlookedinside.

Suddenlyshegaspedatthesightbeforehereyes.Twomenwearingglowingwhitegarmentsstoodinside.AsMarygazedspeechless,oneofthestrangersasked,“Woman,whyareyouweeping?”(John20:13).

Ananguishedsobescapedherlips.“BecausetheyhavetakenawaymyLord,andIdonotknowwheretheyhavelaidHim”(verse13).

HopingtofindsomeonetopointherinthedirectionofJesus,Maryturnedfromthetwounusualmenandbackedoutoftheshallowcavern.Shewasoverwhelmedwithfearandconfusion.

Apartofherlongedtorunfromtheplace,butsomethingheldher.Weepinguncontrollably,herheartheavingwithgrief,Marystaggeredfrom

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theentranceofthetombovertothebrokenstonethathadcoveredthemouthofthecaveanhourearlier.Asshewept,sheglancedtowardthegroundandspiedthetornremainsofthewaxandstringsealthatPilatehadhadplacedonthestone.SherememberedthestoryshehadheardasachildofhowKingDariushadplacedasimilarsealonthestonecoverwhenDanielhadbeenthrownintothelions’den.Whenthatsealwasbroken,Danielhadcomeoutalive.

Whileshewasstaringatthesealandponderingthesethoughts,alongshadowpassedbetweenherandthemorningsun.Startledbythesilentapproachofastranger,Maryquicklyglancedup.

Theeasternskyshonebrightfromdirectlybehindthedarksilhouetteofa

Man,makingitdifficultforMarytoseeHisface.TheMangentlyasked,“Woman,whyareyouweeping?Whomareyoulookingfor?”

Mary,assumingHewasthegardenercomingtobeginhisday’swork,wondered,HowdoesheknowIamlookingforanyone?

Realizingonlytheveryrichcouldaffordtobeburiedinastonetombsuchasthis,andthinkingpossiblytherulershadevictedJesus’body,MarythoughtthismanmightknowwhathadbecomeofherLord’sremains.

“Sir,ifYouhavecarriedHimaway,tellmewhereYouhavelaidHim,andIwilltakeHimaway”(John20:15),thewomanpleaded,droppingherheadandturningtohideafreshflowoftears.

Movedbyherdevotion,thekindStrangercouldnotbeartoseehergrieveanothermoment.Heutteredtheonewordthatwouldturnhersorrowintoecstasy.

“Mary!”Suddenlyawaveofjoyfulrecognitionswept

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throughher.Atthefamiliar,melodioussoundofhernamecomingfromthecompassionatelipsofJesus,MarywhirledaboutandthrewherselfatHisnailscarredfeet.“Rabboni!You’realive!You’realive!”Shewept,clingingtoHisanklesanddrenchingHisfeetwithherfreshtearsofjoy.

Kneelingbesideher,HeplacedHishandonherheadinblessing.WithHisotherhandHegentlydabbedawayhertearswiththesleeveofHisshimmeringrobe.ToMaryitfeltasifHewerecaressinghertearsawaywithawarmlight.

ThenJesussaidtoher,“YoumustnotdetainMe,forIhavenotyetascendedtoMyFather.ButgotoMybrethrenandtellthem,‘IamascendingtoMyFatherandyourFather,andtoMyGodandyourGod.’”

AfterJesusspokethesewords,Hestoodup.AsMaryreluctantlyreleasedherholdonHisfeetshebeheldthemostwonderfultransformation.Jesus’faceshoneasbrightasthemorningsun.Itwasasifsomeonehadpeeledaveilfromhereyes.ShesawaninnumerablecompanyofbeamingangelssurroundingHim,andHebegantoriseupthroughthislivingcorridorofindiscernibleglory.

Theangelssangabeautifultriumphantsong:“Liftupyourheads,Oyougates!Andbeliftedup,youeverlastingdoors!AndtheKingofgloryshallcomein”(Ps.24:7).Theuniquestrainsofmusicwereinfinitelymorewonderfulthananythingshehadeverheard.

BeforeJesusdisappearedinthelivingcloudofangels,Heturnedtoward

Mary.SheheardHisvoiceechodown,saying,“Iwillneverleaveyou.”JustasMarythoughtshecouldnotsurviveanothermomentofsuch

incredibledivineglory,itallvanished.Bycomparison,thefreshlyrisensunseemeddark.AsMarydigestedthemagnitudeof

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theseevents,shebegantomoveupthetrailtowardJerusalem.Anewlightburnedinhermind,andenergyanimatedhersteps.Theangelicmusicwassilent,butMary’sheartwassinging.“Jesusisalive!Heisalive!”ThenMarypausedonthetrailtoallowamostprofoundrevelationtodigest.“Hewaitedforme?Yes,Hechosemetotellthegoodnews.”Asshecontinuedupthetrailshekeptrepeating,“Evenme!”

AllherlifeMaryhadfeltshewasnevergoodenough.Simondidnoteventhinkshewasgoodenoughtotouch,letalonetowash,Jesus’feet.Thereligiousleadersthoughtshewasgoodenoughonlyforstoning.ButJesushadwaiteduntilPeter,John,andevenHisownmotherhadleftthetombinordertocommissionher,awomanonceconsideredasocialoutcast.TheSavioursawherasanewandcleanvessel.HechosehertotelltheworldthatHe,thelivingGod,herFriendandSaviour,hadrisen.

TheStudy

JOHN20:11-18“ButMarystoodoutsidebythetombweeping,andassheweptshestooped

downandlookedintothetomb.Andshesawtwoangelsinwhitesitting,oneattheheadandtheotheratthefeet,wherethebodyofJesushadlain.Thentheysaidtoher,‘Woman,whyareyouweeping?’Shesaidtothem,‘BecausetheyhavetakenawaymyLord,andIdonotknowwheretheyhavelaidHim.’Nowwhenshehadsaidthis,sheturnedaroundandsawJesusstandingthere,anddidnotknowthatitwasJesus.Jesussaidtoher,‘Woman,whyareyouweeping?Whomareyouseeking?’She,supposingHimtobethegardener,saidtoHim,‘Sir,ifYouhavecarriedHim

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away,tellmewhereYouhavelaidHim,andIwilltakeHimaway.’Jesussaidtoher,‘Mary!’SheturnedandsaidtoHim,‘Rabboni!’(whichistosay,Teacher).Jesussaidtoher,‘DonotclingtoMe,forIhavenotyetascendedtoMyFather;butgotoMybrethrenandsaytothem,“IamascendingtoMyFatherandyour

Father,andtoMyGodandyourGod.”’MaryMagdalenecameandtoldthedisciplesthatshehadseentheLord,andthatHehadspokenthesethingstoher.”

MARK16:9-11“NowwhenHeroseearlyonthefirstdayoftheweek,Heappearedfirstto

MaryMagdalene,outofwhomHehadcastsevendemons.ShewentandtoldthosewhohadbeenwithHim,astheymournedandwept.AndwhentheyheardthatHewasaliveandhadbeenseenbyher,theydidnotbelieve.”

HESHOOKTHINGSUPThomasJeffersonwasagreatman,butalas,hewasadeistandcouldnot

acceptthemiraculouselementsinScripture.HeeditedhisownspecialversionoftheBibleinwhichallreferencestothesupernaturalweredeleted.IneditingtheGospels,JeffersonconfinedhimselfsolelytothemoralteachingsofJesus.TheclosingwordsofJefferson’sBiblearethese:“TherelaidtheyJesusandrolledagreatstoneatthemouthofthesepulchreanddeparted.”ThankGod,thatisnotthewaythestoryreallyends.

TheresurrectionofJesuswasverifiedbyamassofundeniableevidence.Notamongtheleastoftheseproofswasthetestimonyofnatureinthedarkskyaboveandtheshakingearthbelow.WhenJesuscameforthfromthegrave,theretranspiredaminiature

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sampleofwhatwillhappenwhenHeemergesingloryfromtheheavenstogatherHischildren.Regardingthesesignsintheheavensandearth,EllenG.Whitewrote:“AnearthquakemarkedthehourwhenChristlaiddownHislife,andanotherearthquakewitnessedthemomentwhenHetookupHislifeintriumph.Hewhohadvanquisheddeathandthegravecameforthfromthetombwiththetreadofaconqueror,amidthereelingoftheearth,theflashingoflightning,andtheroaringofthunder.WhenHeshallcometotheearthagain,Hewillshake‘nottheearthonly,butalsoheaven.’‘Theearthshallreeltoandfrolikeadrunkard,andshallberemovedlikeacottage.’‘Theheavensshallberolledtogetherasascroll;’‘theelementsshallmeltwithferventheat,theearthalsoandtheworksthatarethereinshallbeburnedup.’But‘theLordwillbethehopeofHispeople,andthestrengthofthechildrenofIsrael’(Heb.12:26;Isa.

24:20;34:4;2Peter3:10;Joel3:16)”(TheDesireofAges,p.780).LivinginCalifornia,Ihaveexperiencedafewearthquakes.Itcanbevery

unnervingwhenthegroundunderyourfeetbeginstoswayandroll.Wegothroughlifethinkingwecantrustthegroundtobeconstantanddependable.Ifnothingelse,earthquakeshavetaughtmethattheonlythingthatcannotbemovedisthatwhichisrootedinGod.“Heavenandearthwillpassaway,butMywordswillbynomeanspassaway”(Matt.24:35).

THREEDAYSANDTHREENIGHTS?So,howlongwasJesusinthetomb,anddoesitmatter?“ThensomeofthescribesandPhariseesanswered,saying,‘Teacher,we

wanttoseeasignfrom

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You.’Butheansweredandsaiduntothem,‘Anevilandadulterousgenerationseeksafterasign,nosignwillbegiventoitexceptthesignoftheprophetJonah.ForasJonahwasthreedaysandthreenightsinthebellyofthegreatfish,sowilltheSonofManbethreedaysandthreenightsintheheartoftheearth’”(Matt.12:38-40).

ManypeoplehavebeenconfoundedbytheabovescripturebecauseJesusclearlysaid,“TheSonofManwillbethreedaysandthreenightsintheheartoftheearth.”Assumingthat“intheheartoftheearth”meansinthetomb,andifJesusdiedFridayandroseSunday,Hewasnotinthetombthreenights.Onewaytounderstandthispassageistorealizethat“heartoftheearth”doesnotmeanthetomb.“Heartoftheearth”caneasilybetranslated“inthemidstoftheworld”orinthegripofthislostplanetthatJesuscametosave.

Thephrase“intheearth”appearsdozensoftimesintheKingJamesVersion.Notoneofthosereferencesistothegrave.Take,forexample,thephraseintheLord’sPrayer,“Thywillbedoneinearthasitisinheaven.”DoesthatmeanforGod’swilltobedoneinthetomborthegrave,asitisinheaven?No,ofcoursenot!Itmeansthatitbedoneamongthepeopleofearth—thenationsoftheearth—asitisdoneamongtheangelsinheaven.

Jesus’sufferingforthesinsoftheworlddidnotbeginonthecrossonFriday.HebegansufferingforoursinsrightafterHeatetheLastSupper.SeveraltimesJesussaidthat“thehourhascome,”referringtothatThursdaynight(Matt.26:45;Mark14:41;Luke22:14;John16:32;John17:1).Jesus’ordealbeganwhenthemobarrestedHimThursdaynight.“Intheheartoftheearth”really

means“inthegripofthe

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world.”(Remember,SataniscalledtheprinceofthisworldinJohn12:31.)ForthreedaysandthreenightsJesuswasseparatedfromtheFather’sprotectionandwasinthehandsoftheenemy.Hewasacaptive“intheheartoftheearth”asHesufferedthepenaltyandpunishmentforthesinsoftheworld.

WHEREDIDHEGO?ManyotherpeoplestrugglewiththeissueofwhereJesuswentwhenHedied

onthecross.MostoftheconfusionagainspringsfromthemisinterpretationofonepassageofScripture.

“ForChristalsohathoncesufferedforsins,thejustfortheunjust,thathemightbringustoGod,beingputtodeathintheflesh,butquickenedbytheSpirit:bywhichalsohewentandpreacheduntothespiritsinprison;whichsometimeweredisobedient,whenoncethelongsufferingofGodwaitedinthedaysofNoah,whilethearkwasapreparing,whereinfew,thatis,eightsoulsweresavedbywater”(1Peter3:18-20,KJV).

AtfirstglancemanyhavethoughtthatthismeansthatJesuswasnotreallydeadonthecrossbutthatinsteadHewastransportedtosomespiritrealm.There,itisbelievedbysome,HepreachedtothespiritsofthepeoplewholivedbeforetheFlood,togivethemasecondchanceatsalvation.ThisteachingisechoedintheApostles’Creed.ButmanydonotrealizethattheApostles’Creedwasnotwrittenbytheapostlesatall;itwaswrittenabout100yearsafterthelastoftheapostleshaddied.ItisnopartofinspiredScripture.

ThistheoryistheantithesisofeveryBibleteachingonthesubject.TheScripturesareclearthatafterdeaththerearenosecondchancesforconversion:“It

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isappointedformentodieonce,butafterthisthejudgment”(Heb.9:27).“ForwemustallappearbeforethejudgmentseatofChrist,thateachonemayreceivethethingsdoneinthebody,accordingtowhathehasdone,whethergoodorbad”(2Cor.5:10).

Lookcarefullyat1Peter4:6.Itsaysthatthegospelwaspreachedto“themthataredead”(KJV).Theyaredeadnow,buttheywerenotdeadwhenthegospelwaspreachedtothem.Itwouldbeaverydifficultthingtopreachtodead

people.It’shardenoughtopreachtothosewhoarealive.Ittakesintelligenceandknowledgetounderstandthegospel,andsuchintelligenceispossessedonlybythosewhoarealive(Eccl.9:5,10).

Petersays,“Bywhich[Spirit]alsohewentandpreacheduntothespiritsinprison”(1Peter3:19,KJV).BythesameSpiritthateventuallyraisedJesus,atthetimeoftheFloodJesus(God)preachedtothepeoplewhowerethenalive,imprisonedbysin.ComparethiswiththefamousstatementinGenesis6:3:“MySpiritshallnotstrivewithmanforever,forheisindeedflesh;yethisdaysshallbeonehundredandtwentyyears.”

“ButiftheSpiritofHimwhoraisedJesusfromthedeaddwellsinyou,HewhoraisedChristfromthedeadwillalsogivelifetoyourmortalbodiesthroughHisSpiritwhodwellsinyou”(Rom.8:11).

SoyoucanseethatPeterisnotsayingthatwhenJesusdiedHewenttosomemysticaldungeontopreachtothespiritsofpeoplewholivedbeforetheFlood.Rather,heissayingitwasthesameHolySpiritthatpreachedtothem,whoresurrectedJesusandalsopreachestous.

StillothersstrugglewiththeverythoughtthatJesus,GodtheSon,died!Theywonder,“Howcould

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Goddie?”Idon’tknow!ButIalsocannotexplainhowGodcouldbecomeaman!TheBibledescribesthisasamystery:“Andwithoutcontroversygreatisthemysteryofgodliness:Godwasmanifestedintheflesh”(1Tim.3:16).ButitisverydangeroustotamperwiththeplainteachingsofScripture.Thepenaltyforsinisdeath(Rom.6:23).IfJesusdidnotreallydieonthecrossbutwassimplytransportedintosomeotherspiritualdimension,weareunderminingoneofthefoundationaltruthsofthegospel.TheBibleclearlysaysthatJesusdied(Rom.5:6;1Cor.15:3),andwemustacceptHiswordevenifwecannotexplainitall.Thatiscalledfaith.

LOVELINGERSNearGreyfriarschurchyardinEdinburgh,Scotland,isamemorialfountain

andstatuetoalittledognamedGreyfriarsBobby.In1858amancalledJockGreywasburiedinthechurchcemetery.Hisfaithfullittledogmournfullywatchedatthespotwherehisoldmasterhadbeencommittedtothegrave.Forthenext14years,dayandnight,rainorshine,untilhisowndeathin1872theloyalcaninevirtuallylivedontopofhismaster’stomb.ThelittleSkyeterrier

leftthesiteforonlyanhouratatimetovisithistwofriends,therestaurateurwhofedhimandthesextonwhobuiltashelterforhimatthecemetery.

Duringhis14-yearvigil,thousandsvisitedtheyardtoseethisfaithfullittledog.Intributetohislifelongloyaltyanddevotion,theyburiedhiminthechurchgraveyardbesidehismaster.

AftereveryoneelsehadleftJesus’gardentomb,MaryloyallylingeredwhereshehadlastseenherLord.SometimeswelosetrackofJesusbecausewebecomepreoccupiedwithourownwillandagendas.

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WebecomedistractedwithearthlyrelationshipsandforgetourheavenlyFriend.EvenJesus’ownmotherandfatherlosttrackoftheirtreasuredtrustafter

theyvisitedtheTempleinJerusalem.ButtheyfoundJesusthreedayslater,rightwheretheyhadlastseenHim.Marysaid,“Behold,thyfatherandIhavesoughttheesorrowing”(Luke2:48,KJV).WhenwecarelesslylosetrackofourMasterwemighthavetospendsometimesearchingandsorrowingtofindHimagain.JustlikeJesus’mother,MaryMagdalenefoundJesusthreedayslaterbylingeringwhereshehadlastseenherMaster.

“Lovesufferslongandiskind;lovedoesnotenvy;lovedoesnotparadeitself,isnotpuffedup;doesnotbehaverudely,doesnotseekitsown,isnotprovoked,thinksnoevil;doesnotrejoiceininiquity,butrejoicesinthetruth;bearsallthings,believesallthings,hopesallthings,enduresallthings.Loveneverfails”(1Cor.13:4-8).

KNOWINGHEISNEAR“ThattheyshouldseektheLord,ifhaplytheymightfeelafterhim,andfind

him,thoughhebenotfarfromeveryoneofus”(Acts17:27).Duringthepreliminariesatoneofhislargecrusades,BillyGrahamdonneda

capandsunglassesandwalkedaroundincognitotogatherobjectivefeedbackfromhisaudience.Seeinganindifferent-lookingvisitorleaningagainstthestadiumgate,Grahamaskedhim,“Don’tyouwanttogoin?Themeetingshavestarted!”

“Naw,”themandrawled,“Idon’tcaremuchforthewarm-upact.I’mheretoseethebiggun!”Littledidheknowthathewastalkingtothe“biggun.”Inlikemanner,wemissmanyblessingsbecausewedonotknowwhenJesusisnear.Jesussaidtothe

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Samaritanwomanatthewell,“IfyouknewthegiftofGod,andwhoitiswhosaystoyou,‘GiveMeadrink,’youwouldhaveaskedHim,andHewouldhavegivenyoulivingwater”(John4:10).

KnowingtheLordisnearbringsusjoy.InourstoryMarywasweepingbecauseshedidnotknowitwastheLordstandingbesideher.“Nowwhenshehadsaidthis,sheturnedaroundandsawJesusstandingthere,anddidnotknowthatitwasJesus”(John20:14).WhenlaterthatdayJesusappearedtotwoofthedisciplesontheroadtoEmmaus,theyalsoweresadbecausetheydidnotknowwhowalkedwiththem.“TheydidnotknowHim.AndHesaidtothem,‘Whatkindofconversationisthisthatyouhavewithoneanotherasyouwalkandaresad?’”(Luke24:16,17).

HowmanytheworldoverwalkthroughlifesadanddisconsolatebecausetheydonotknoworbelievethatJesusisnear.AnewlyconvertedChineseAmericannamedLoChangbegantoshoutforjoywhenhereadtheendoftheGospelofMatthewasrecordedintheKingJamesVersion:“And,lo,Iamwithyoualway,evenuntotheendoftheworld”(Matt.28:20).Lowasespeciallyhappybecausehetookthepromisepersonally—“Lo[hisname],Iamwithyou.”HowmanyprofessedChristianssufferneedlesssorrowsimplybecauseweforgetthepromiseofJesus’presence.TheydonotknowthatJesusisneartohelpthembeartheirburdens.“CastingallyourcareuponHim,forHecaresforyou”(1Peter5:7).

ADOPTEDINTOTHEFAMILYASundayschoolteacherhadtoregistertwonewboysinSundayschool.

Whensheaskedtheirbirthdaysthebolderofthetwosaid,“We’reboth7.My

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birthdayisApril8,1976,andmybrother’sisApril20,1976.”“Butthat’simpossible!”answeredtheteacher.“No,it’snot,”answeredtheotherbrother.“Oneofusisadopted.”“Whichone?”askedtheteacher.Theboyslookedateachotherandsmiled.Thefirstboysaid,“WeaskedDad

awhileago,buthesaidhelovedusboth,andjustcouldn’trememberwhichonewasadopted.”

ThelastwordsJesusspoketoMaryconfirmedthatshehadbeencompletely

embracedasadaughterofGod:“GotoMybrethrenandsaytothem,‘IamascendingtoMyFatherandyourFather,andtoMyGodandyourGod’”(John20:17).ShehadbeenfullyacceptedandadoptedintoGod’sfamilyassurelyasMordecaihadadoptedEsther,andassurelyasRahabtheharlothadbecomeamotherinIsrael.“YoureceivedtheSpiritofadoptionbywhomwecryout,‘Abba,Father’”(Rom.8:15).“IwillbeaFathertoyou,andyoushallbeMysonsanddaughters,saystheLordAlmighty”(2Cor.6:18).

HOLDINGTHEGARDENER’SHEEL“Jesussaidtoher,‘Woman,whyareyouweeping?Whomareyouseeking?’

She,supposingHimtobethegardener,saidtoHim,‘Sir,ifYouhavecarriedHimaway,tellmewhereYouhavelaidHim,andIwilltakeHimaway’”(John20:15).

Thisistheonlytimetheword“gardener”isfoundintheBible.Interestinglyenough,itisappliedtoJesus.Marywasright—JesuswastheGardener.TheBibleteaches,“TheLordGodplantedagardeneastwardinEden”(Gen.2:8).Furthermore,theLordstillgardenstoday.TheseedistheWordofGod,and

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weareHisplants.“ForthevineyardoftheLordofhostsisthehouseofIsrael,andthemenofJudahareHispleasantplant”(Isa.5:7).

InthatfirstgardentheLordpronouncedaprophecytothefirstwoman:“AndIwillputenmitybetweenyouandthewoman,andbetweenyourseedandherSeed;Heshallbruiseyourhead,andyoushallbruiseHisheel”(Gen.3:15).

JesuswastheSeedofthewoman,whowouldcrushtheheadoftheserpent.Butitwasnotwithoutcost.HewouldhaveHisheelbruised.WhenJesustriumphedoverdeathandSatan,HestillboreinHisfeetthescarsfromthecross.AndMary,likethechurchtoday,mustfallatHisscarredandbruisedheeltoworship.

WECOMETOGONotonlydidJesussaveMary;Hegaveherajobtodo.Everyonewhomthe

LordcleansHecommissions.AfterIsaiahhadhislipscleanedwithacoalfromGod’saltar,theLordcommissionedhimtogoandpreach(Isa.6:1-9).

Basically,JesussaidtoMary,“Don’tjustclingtoMe;goandtellothers.”IfweloveJesusasMarylovedJesus,wearecompelledtotellothers.Wecan’t

keepHimtoourselves.ThemanfromwhomJesuspurgedanarmyofdemonswantedtojuststayatHisside.“NowthemanfromwhomthedemonshaddepartedbeggedHimthathemightbewithHim.ButJesussenthimaway,saying,‘Returntoyourownhouse,andtellwhatgreatthingsGodhasdoneforyou’”(Luke8:38,39).LikeMaryandthisman,thechurchissavedforthepurposeoftellingothers.

Salvationinvolvescomingandgoing.WecometoJesusatHisgreatinvitation,thenwegoforJesus

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withtheGreatCommission.“CometoMe,allyouwholaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matt.11:28).“Gothereforeandmakedisciplesofallthenations”(Matt.28:19).“Nowthereforecome,thatwemaygoandtelltheking’shousehold”(2Kings7:9,KJV).

WeshouldnotgoforJesusuntilwefirstcometoJesus.Godusespeopletoreachpeople.Hecouldpreachthegospelmuchmore

efficientlythroughangels.However,witnessingispartofoursanctificationprocess.Maryisneveridentifiedashavinganexceptionalgiftofcommunication,buttheLordchosehertocommunicatethegoodnewsofHisresurrection.ThisshouldencourageeachofustocometoJesusthatwemightgoforJesusandbecomewitnessesofHisresurrection.

AFORMULAANDPATTERNFORSPIRITUALSUCCESSItisinterestingtonotethatintheGospelsthereisnorecordthatawoman

everdidanythingtohurtJesus.Menschemedagainst,spiedon,spiton,andsmoteJesus,butweneverseeawomanharmingJesusinanywayduringHisearthlylife.YourememberfromourearlierstudiesthatamongBiblesymbolsawomanrepresentsachurch.Insummary,noticehowMary’slifeandstoryisapatternforrevivalandvitalityforGod’speoplecollectively,andforeachofusasindividuals.

1.LikeMary,wemustspendtimeatJesus’feet,cryingtearsofrepentanceforoursinsasMarydidintheTemple.ThenwehearJesusdeclarethatHedoesnotcondemnus.“Goandsinnomore,”Hesaystous

2.AsMarydidforLazarus,eachChristianneedstospendtimeatJesus’feet,pleadingandprayingfor

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friendsandfamilywhoarespirituallydead,thatHewillgivethemlife.3.LikeMary,God’speopleneedtomakequalitytimeforreadingand

hearingtheWordatJesus’feet.MaryisrecordedinScriptureassayingverylittle;apparentlyshespentmoretimelisteningthantalking.

4.LikeMary,thechurchwillthriveonlywhensheunderstandsthecommitmentandbeautyofsacrificialgiving.

5.ItiscrucialthatwespendmuchtimeatJesus’feet,beholdingHimonthecrossforoursins.Itisherethatwehaveourlovebatteriesrecharged.

6.MaryspenttimeservingJesus,bothatSimon’sfeastandwhenshehelpedwithHisburial.Likewise,wewillwanttoserveHimafterseeinghowmuchHelovesus.

7.Finally,toproclaimthelivingSaviourjoyfullytoothersistheprivilegeandresponsibilityofeverychildofGod.

IT’SHARDTOHIDEGOODNEWSLawrenceMaxwelltellsthestoryofagroupofprospectorswhosetoutfrom

Bannack,Montana(thencapitalofthestate),insearchofgold.Theyenduredmanyhardships.Severaloftheircompanydiedenroute.TheywereovertakenbyIndianswhotooktheirgoodhorses,leavingthemwithonlyafewagingponies.

Thentheirattackersthreatenedthem,tellingthemtogetbacktoBannackandstaythere.TheIndiansdeclared,“Ifwefindyououthereagain,we’llmurderthelotofyou.”

Defeated,discouraged,anddepressed,theprospectorsmadetheirwaybacktowardthecapitalcity.Atonepoint,astheytetheredouttheexhausted

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poniesalongthesideofacreek,oneofthemencasuallypickedupasmallstonefromthecreekbed.

Hecalledtohisbuddy,“Gotahammer?”Uponcrackingtherock,theminersaid,“Itlooksasthoughtheremaybegoldhere.”

Thetwoofthempannedforgoldtherestoftheafternoonandmanagedtocollect$12worth.Thenextdaytheentirecompanypannedforgoldinthecreek.Theyfound$50worth,agreatsuminthosedays.

“Wehavestruckit!”theysaidtoeachother.ThemenmadetheirwaybacktoBannack,vowingnottobreatheasinglewordconcerningtheirgoldstrike.Theydiscreetlyreequippedthemselveswithsuppliesforanotherprospectingtrip.But

whentheysetoutoftown,300menfollowedthem.Whohaddivulgedtheirsecret?Noone!Theirbeamingfacesbetrayedtheirtreasure!

Liketheprospectorsandtheirgoodfortune,ifwebecomeenamoredwithJesus,ifwetrulycomprehendthegoodnewsofthegospel,wecannotconcealthejoyofourdiscovery.Ourbeamingfaceswillbetrayoursecret.

ThelastimageweseeofMaryintheSacredRecordisthatofafleetingformwithashiningface.Sheisrunningonairbecauseshehasburninginherheartthemostwonderfulnewstheworldhaseverheard.HervoiceisheardsinginghosannasassheracesuptheroadtoJerusalemtotelltheworld,“Heisalive!”

EMPTYANDBROKENWhenThomasEdisonwasworkingontheincandescentlight-bulb,hefound

thateventhebestfilamentwouldburnoutinaninstantunlessheplaceditinavacuum.Robbedofoxygen,therightelementcontinuedtoburnformanyhours.Likewise,thelight

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ofJesuscannotburninaheartthatisfullofotherthings.TheoilofGod’sSpiritcanbepouredonlyintoemptyvessels(2Kings4:3).

VanceHavnertellsus,“Godusesbrokenthings.Ittakesbrokensoiltoproduceacrop;brokencloudstogiverain;brokengraintogivebread;brokenbreadtogivestrength.Itisthebrokenalabasterboxthatgivesforthperfume—itisPeter,weepingbitterly,whoreturnstogreaterpowerthanever.”

JesuscoulduseMaryforgreatthingsbecausethroughtrialshersoulhadbeenvacuumedofselfandwasyearningforHisfilling.Shehadmadeacompletesurrenderwhilepassingthroughthesuperheatedcrucibleofrepentance.

THELASTSHALLBEFIRST“NowwhenHeroseearlyonthefirstdayoftheweek,Heappearedfirstto

MaryMagdalene,outofwhomHehadcastsevendemons”(Mark16:9).IwouldneverhaveorchestratedtheResurrectionthewaytheLordchoseto

doit.AfterescapingthetombIwouldhaveappearedtoHerodorPilateandgloatedabouthowimpotentweretheirsoldiers,seal,andstonetopreventmefromrising.IwouldhavedaredHerodtofetchthepurplerobeandcrownofthornsifhehadtheaudacitytomockmeagain.OratleastIwouldhave

appearedtothehighpriestandleaderswhocondemnedmeandmadethemsquirmandshakeintheirsandals.Iwouldhavewatchedtheblooddrainfromtheirfacesastheyponderedtheterribletruththattheyhadcondemnedandexecutedtheirlong-awaitedMessiah.IfIwereproducingtheResurrection,IwouldatleasthaveJesusinitiallyappeartothedisciplesorperhapstoHismother,Mary.

ButJesuschosetopassbyalltheselogicaloptions;

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HefirstrevealedHimselftoasocialoutcast.JesusdeliberatelywaiteduntilPeter,John,andevenHisownmotherhadleftthegardenareatobestowonaformerlydemon-possessedprostitute,savedbygrace,thehighesthonorevertobegrantedanymortal.Why?WhyisitthatthefirstwordsspokenbyJesusafterHisresurrectionweretoMary,andyetthisisthelasttimesheappearsintheSacredRecord?TohighlightandunderscorethetruththatHecametoseekandsavethelost.ToremindusthatifHecantransform,save,andcommissionameekandweakgirlnamedMary—well,then,thereishopeforeachoneofus.

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