The Jewish Passover celebration is six days away.
If you are ever given the opportunity to attend a Seder (Passover) meal, take it! The symbolism within the Seder brings what Jesus did for us to life. The Jews celebrate Passover to remember their freedom from slavery. Christians can celebrate it for the same reason. We are free. Free from eternal death and the hold of sin.
Our doorposts are covered by the blood of The Lamb. And we are given the Spirit to live and worship freely.
Jewish families gather together, light the candles, read blessings and prayers, and celebrate their freedom just as their ancestors have done for thousands of years. We could benefit from such history and faithfulness, yet my heart is stirred for these families to know Jesus.
There was a very special dinner held six days before his last Seder with his disciples. On that night a Jewish woman named Mary did something very brave. It’s one of my favorite stories, and one of my favorite chapters of A Mary Like Me. Here’s an excerpt.
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied.” It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me (John 12: 1-8).
.….Her perfume wouldn’t be used on the night of her wedding nor for a gift to the poor.
Her gift was for Jesus.
The Messiah defended her actions when immediate accusations and disapproval came from Judas and other dinner guests. I love how Jesus protected Mary. This is the second time He came to her defense. First with her sister, this time from one of His own disciples. One of the Twelve. And, just as he’d done previously, Jesus rebuked Mary’s antagonistic naysayer. He said to Judas, “Leave her alone” (John 12:7).
Our three English words are employed to translate the original single word admonition, aphiēmi (af-ee’-ay-mee).[i] The definitions I found for this Greek word were: “Don’t send away” or “Don’t dismiss.”[ii]You could argue that “leave her alone” implies the same translation, but I believe “don’t send her away” indicates that Jesus isn’t merely protecting her from the bullies; He is recognizing the importance of her presence in the room. Just as He recognized the value of her presence at His feet as a disciple.
If Mary’s presence was valued by Jesus, I believe our presence is also.
Does this speak to your soul? What would it mean to have Jesus recognize and defend your attendance in a room? The same Jesus who recognized the value of Mary’s company, recognizes ours. I pray you believe this truth.
Jesus doesn’t tolerate our presence; He didn’t just tolerate Mary. He desired for her to be there, and He acknowledged her gift as one of significance. He is the same Savior today as He was that night in Bethany. And we are no different from the defiant, rebellious, bitter, beloved gift of God called Mary. (excerpt from A Mary Like Me: Flawed Yet Called)
Mary of Bethany’s brave act of lavished love was one of obedience. She could not say “No” to the soul prompting to walk into that room of men and do something no respectable woman would do, and give one of the most expensive resource her family owned. But though the antagonizes did respond as she knew they would, Jesus’s words trumped their negative accusations.
Are you being prompted, called, by God to step out in faith? Are you worried about the reaction of those who will witness your obedience? Mary’s act of obedience was an act of worship. And our response to the Spirit’s nudge, the Call of God, is also.
[bctt tweet=”Imagine whatever God is calling you to do as an act of pouring oil on the feet of Jesus. ” username=”wordsbyandylee”]
And remember Jesus’s response to Mary.
Let me pray for us. Grab my hand.
Dear Lord,
I pray that the eyes reading these words will know how important they are to you. I pray they know the value of their presence and faithful service when others don’t respond favorably. I pray they feel your pleasure and delight with them. You always bless our obedience. I believe that’s why you continue to bless your people, the Jews. Bless them as they celebrate the Seder meal tonight and your deliverance thousands of years ago. Deliver them again. Bring them to know you Jesus. Amen and Amen.
Join the conversation: How will you worship Jesus today through obedience?
GIVEAWAY!!!!
Leave a comment and be entered to win a signed copy of A Mary Like Me: Flawed Yet Called! If you already have one, win it for a friend! I’ll announce the winner Friday morning on my Daily Broadcast on Facebook Live! It’s at 8:20.
Digging Deep,
Andy
Thank you Jesus, for the delightful gift of the Holy Spirit and Andy Lee!
Having read excerpts of this at Word Weavers, I’d love to read the entire book. It would be a joy to present it to my friends in A Place of Grace Fellowship. We could use it for our Bible study.
Hi Cindy! What Word Weavers chapter do you attend? I’d love for you to share this with your church! If you do, let’s find a time to Skype or Facebooklive to the group or come in person. Blessings! You’re entered!
So thankful for you Andy!!!! You are such an inspiration to so many of us!! We thank God for your leadership!!!
Awww… thanks Karen! I love teaching and am so thankful for the opportunity! Blessings!
Love this book so much & such an honor to know Andy & follow her in our Wednesday Warrior group!! Thank God for sending this wonderful & inspiring lady to all of us!!
Thanks Karen! I’m so blessed by our group! I’m so encouraged that you loved the book so much. Yay God! You’re entered to win for a friend! ❤
Would love to join this study as it’s pretty darn dear to my heart!!!!
Miss you Judi! I’d love to have you apart of it! I’ll let you all know when we’ll start. You are entered!
You are such an inspiration ❤️
Awww shucks, Debbie! I appreciate you. You have the gift of encouragement!! Thankful for you! You’re entered!
Thanks God for Andy Lee being a vessel for me to be learn so much more about U~~I want to be more like U God
Hey Deb! You are a vessel of God who helps so many. Thanks for stopping by! You’re entered!
So enjoyed your meditation. Helps the modern woman to feel pride in her role and acceptance of who she is in this world. Good writing. Linda Wilson (Lauren Crews mom.)
Thanks Linda! Love your daughter and so excited about her Bible study! Thanks for stopping by. You’re entered into the drawing!!
After years of celebrating Seder in our home, my husband and I have the opportunity to lead Seder at our church Sunday night! I love the service but I wish I could share more of the details that make it so rich – like what you share here about Mary. Thank you for your wonderful insight Andy!
Hey Lauren! That is wonderful! I’m going to pray that you can share more of the details or that their eyes will be supernaturally open to it! Thanks for stopping by and sharing too. You are entered! :)
I’m so very thankful that I’m valuable to Jesus. He is my husband..My protector and defender…He never turns me away. Healing to my soul!
Thank you Andy.
Michelle Jones
Amen, amen, Michelle! Me too. I’m so glad you receive that truth. You are entered! Thanks for stopping by.
This post is right on time! God has been dealing with me in regards to faith and obedience. Help me to trust you Lord!
Oh girl, I’m so excited for you! I’ll be praying for you. You’re entered! Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for your post and book. I can relate to Mary.
Hey Jann! You’re welcome! Yay God! Isn’t it fun to realize how very much they were like us? You’re entered. :)
Andy, thank you for this beautiful picture of the acceptance and validation we find in Jesus as his children, and for the reminder off what the Passover can mean in our own lives.
Hi Beth! Thanks for stopping by! You’re so welcome. Yay, God! You are entered into the drawing. :)