Peter Misselbrook's Blog

Aug 7 2020 - Mark 14:1-21 – What she has done will be told in memory of her

We read that while he was in Bethany, Jesus was having a meal in the home of Simon the leper. We would like to know more about this man. Was he someone whom Jesus had healed of leprosy who had invited Jesus and his disciples to eat with him as a means of expressing his thanks? We don’t know. What we do know is that during their meal a woman entered with an alabaster jar full of expensive ointment and poured it over Jesus' head. We read that many were angry with the woman; they thought her extravagant action a waste of money that could have been better used to help the poor. Jesus rebuked them; "Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me" (Mark 14:6).

Jesus is not disagreeing with their expressions of concern for the poor, for he adds, "The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want" (14:7). Maybe he is rebuking an outward expression of concern which had failed to be matched by any sacrificial actions on their part. It's all too easy to criticise others and to pass judgment on what they should have done; much more difficult for us to live up to our own ideals. Whatever the case, Jesus commends the beautiful act of this woman, saying, "She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial" (14:8). Again, this may be an implied criticism of her critics; she has actually done something. More than that, she has anticipated Jesus death and prepared him for burial. I wonder whether those reclining at Simon's table understood the significance of Jesus words.

Jesus concludes by saying, "Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (14:9). His words are fulfilled through the record of this woman's devotion in the pages of Scripture. And yet her name is not recorded. We do not know who she was, nor do we know what had moved her to this act of devotion. Nor are these details important; it is her act of devotion that is recorded so that we might learn from it.

We need to watch our own tendency to criticise others – even to criticise the things they do out of devotion to Christ. It's all too easy to become a professional critic, loudly declaring what others should have done as a means of covering up our own failure to do what we can.

John tells us that one of the chief critics of this woman was Judas Iscariot. He protested, John says, not because he cared for the poor but because he was in charge of the disciples’ moneybag; he loved money and would dip his hand into the bag (John 12:4-6). This incident seems to have been one of the triggers that prompted him to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Since this ointment was not sold and the money placed in his bag, he would find other ways to get his hands on some silver. What a contrast between this woman’s costly act of devotion and Judas’ self-seeking act of betrayal.

Living God, you did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us and you promise with him to freely give us all things. Even the poor in your kingdom are rich. Keep me from the self-centredness which so often displays itself in a critical spirit – always finding fault with others. Lord Jesus, you devoted yourself to my salvation, help me to devote myself to your service. By your Spirit, enable me today to do what I can to help others and to encourage them also in their devotion to you.

Aug 7 2019 - Isaiah 9:1-7 – Unto us a child is born

This passage is often read at the traditional Christmas services of lessons and carols. It contains one of the clearest prophecies concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The previous chapter ended with gloom. God's people have forsaken him and have turned for guidance to "mediums and spiritists" (8:19). Having turned away from God's word, they will "see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom" (8:22). The Lord, however, does not plan to leave his people in gloom and darkness. The light of God's grace and salvation shall shine upon them.

The lands mentioned in 9:1, Zebulun, Naphtali and Galilee were in the northern part of the Promised Land and were the first to suffer God's judgment under the conquering power of the Assyrians. This same region will be the first to see the light of God's salvation:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (9:2)

God's salvation will be like a great victory over their enemies. The burden that has oppressed them will be rolled away and they will be free. The nation that had been decimated by captivity will be restored and enlarged. And all of this is going to be accomplished through the birth of a child who will grow up to be a king who will reign on David's throne:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and for ever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (vv.6-7)

This child born to be king is given glorious titles. He will be a "Wonderful Counsellor", possessing wisdom greater than that of Solomon. He will be called "Mighty God", for it will be evident that in him God has come in power to save his people. He will be an "Everlasting Father", caring, protecting and providing for his people not just for a few years but for all eternity. He will be the "Prince of Peace", putting an end to the warfare between a holy God and his rebellious people and founding an eternal kingdom characterised by justice, righteousness and peace.

We are in the privileged position of being able to tell the world that this promised king has come:

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King

The Lord Jesus is the mighty God come in human flesh to save us. At his birth, angels declared, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth." The light of his ministry first shone in Galilee but appeared to be extinguished in Jerusalem when he was crucified. But, by his death, Jesus conquered all the powers of darkness and, by his resurrection he has brought life and immortality to light. Enthroned in heaven, he is now extending his kingdom throughout the earth through the power of his outpoured Spirit. His kingdom will never end.

Father God, we thank you that these words, written several hundred years before the birth of the Lord Jesus, speak so clearly of the great salvation you were to accomplish in him and of the everlasting nature of his kingdom. Use us to tell others of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, that they also may find salvation – light for their darkness and peace for their troubled hearts. May his kingdom be extended through us. 

Peter Misselbrook