SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

Category: General

  • As you are

    Why not go fishing?  Why not spend some time in the quiet to bring you back to where it all started?  Why not be around friends trying to figure out…what now?  Why not enjoy time away from the commotion of it all?  It is better without the crowds and the accusations and the whirlwind of events that have taken place.  It is a chance to breathe, rest and reset.  It is a chance to simply be.

    They had been through so much in such a short period of time.  Exhaustion, frustration, embarrassment, fear, grief, excitement and confusion had to be wrapped together so tight that it was just better to get away for a while.  Everyone processes it differently.  Everyone finds their own way through the maze of grief.  It is a journey that they were trying to grasp.  Fishing made complete sense.

    I can imagine that the series of events probably played on a continuous loop in their minds, over and over again.  What he has taught them, what he had said, how they had fled, how they were so afraid, what they felt and what if they had done things differently?  What if they had been braver?  What if they had stayed?  What if they had prayed harder instead of sleeping?  What if they had been more faithful instead of jumping ship at the first sign of trouble?  What must it have been like for Jesus to suffer without the disciples?  What had caused them to react like they did?  What was missing?  Just fish.  Put it behind you for a moment and spend time on the water…and fish.  All night fishing, even if you don’t catch anything, is better than the fear of being locked behind doors.  It is way better than trying to explain what was going on.  It was the only answer they knew.

    And then they see someone on the beach.  He is cooking, that would be obvious from a distance.  The smoke rising from the fire would have been a signal of welcome.  He calls for them to catch fish and oh do they!  They catch more than they can hold.  John proclaims, Peter swims and the catch just keeps coming.  They catch until they reach the beach.  They catch and now they are there, on the sand with him.

    Jesus met them where they were.  He invited them.  He welcomed them.  It was an invitation to come and see – see the scars, enjoy the meal, feel the joy in the presence of the Lord.  The invitation didn’t come with conditions.  It didn’t come with a list of rules or a way to behave.  It didn’t come with attire or manners or anything else.  It was a meal that he had prepared.  There was no scorning, no remediation, no making them feel belittled…it was a simple message of come as you are…I’m here to meet you.  He brought the bread and fish to serve them.  He prepared a meal for them to experience the fellowship around the fire.  He was there to meet them.  He was there to show them they were loved.  He called them children because that’s what they are…God’s children.  They were loved and belonged.  They were welcomed.  He simply gave the invitation with no strings attached.  And they came, sat down and ate.

    This powerful story reminds me that Jesus meets us where we are and transports us to where we need to be…sometimes through a simple meal.

    We don’t get excluded because we didn’t get it…because we have strayed…because we are not good enough.  We get invited.  The invitation is to come and experience new life and new triumphs.  Jesus knew about their loss, knew they were unsuccessful, knew they were dismayed, and knew they would be hungry.  He understood because he knew them.

    Here’s the thing…He knows us, too.  He doesn’t expect us to be someone else.  He just expects us to follow.  He will take care of the rest.  He feeds, he nurtures, he revives…he gives life because he is life.  Come and enjoy the meal.  Sit and listen.  Come as you are.

    Lots of people have been told they do not belong.  They have been made to feel as though there would be not seat at the table for them, no invitation because of what they have done or said or thought or who they had become.  They have been made to feel that you can come when you get your life straight or you get clean or you give up your bad habits or you stop sinning or you dress right or talk right or believe right.  Maybe that’s where you find yourself.

    But hear this: the disciples had betrayed and ran and hid and were fearful.  They had missed it and had been unfaithful and were so off course.  And Jesus met them where they were and invited them to the meal.  He didn’t tell them to confess before they got there.  He didn’t ask them to get their life straight or figure out where they had gone wrong.  He didn’t ask them to sit down and write out their misgivings.  They knew who they were and they understood what they had done.  He didn’t need to berate them.  He simply needed to be with them, welcome them, love them and show them that they were loved just the way they were.  All the rest would take care of itself, for now, just sit at the meal and relax.  He didn’t come to belittle, he came to renew.

    So I hear Jesus inviting us just the way we are.  I hear him welcoming us because he loves us so very much.  He knows where we have been.  He knows what we have done.  He knows how we have missed it.  And yet, he calls us his children and invites us to sit, listen, learn, and follow.  No accusations, no judgment, no beating down, no embarrassment…just a welcome.  Welcome.  Come, eat, follow.  It really is that loving, because that’s who Jesus is.

    Focus Scripture:

    John 21 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

    4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

    9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

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  • Feasting at the Table

    One of the most difficult parts of our current situation is the lack of physical community.  Online community is fine and needed and welcomed.  But this is a short term fix.  In the long term, we crave community, the time together to fellowship, socialize and just enjoy the company of others.  It is built into us, even for those of us that are introverts.  To work alongside of others, to strive together, to build together, to serve together is crucial.  We are stronger together.  One of the most essential parts of community is fellowship around the table.  Sitting at the table with friends, neighbors and strangers helps to develop bonds that far outlast any meal.  The ease at which we share, the peace at which we feast, and the joy of the blessings of the meal are priceless.  There is nothing that really replaces that need.  It is something that our bodies were built for.  We are missing it, but it will return.  I can only hope that it returns with such expectant joy that we spend many valuable hours around the table with others.  May our homes be filled with new friends, may we build relationships with those we have not gotten to know, and may we feast with our community in such joy that our lives are forever changed.

    Now, that may sound a bit idealistic.  It may feel like I am asking a lot of a meal and maybe I am expecting too much.  How would a simple meal actually change anything?  Why would this activity of which we can participate at any point becomes so pivotal?  Meals really can change things when God is present.  And I think that is most evident in the scripture for today.

    Luke 24:13-32

    13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[f] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[g] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[h] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[i] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[j] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[k] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 

    These two people were forever changed.  Their hearts burned and it was not from indigestion.  Their lives had been renewed as their hope was refueled.  They had a reason to keep moving forward.  They had a joy that was unmistakable.  They were different and it happened around a table.  It all happened at a meal, that one unforgettable meal…not because the dish was the most outstanding dish they had ever tasted, but because of the presence of those around the table.  Table fellowship changed them and it changes us.

    They have traveled with this man, this man that didn’t seem to have a clue about what had been going on in Jerusalem.  He actually had missed the chaos of Passover and all that had occurred.  But then he began to speak.  He opened up the scriptures as they had never heard before.  He explained Moses, the Exodus, the prophets…the mysteries were not so mysterious any longer.  He helped them to understand what had been so challenging.  This Messiah wasn’t so hidden – all they needed was right there in the Scriptures.  If they were just willing to listen, to hear, to allow the words to fill them…then they could find what they needed for life, for hope, for a future.  This was fascinating and motivational.  But this was not the pivotal point that they experienced.  This was important – the Scriptures helped them to realize the works of the Messiah, they were guided by the word in faith and action, they were given hope where they had lost all hope.  But their pivotal moment came around the table.  The man was planning to move right on, but being hospitable, they encouraged him to come and sit at the table.

    They did not have to invite him.  They had spent all day with him.  They could have just let him continue on his journey.  But if they had not invited him, they would have missed the experience.  If they had hesitated to have him around the table, they would have missed the one that loved them more than they could imagine.  They would have had a lesson, they would have gone through life understanding more, they would have had the Scripture explained…but they would have missed the personal fellowship with the man if they had not welcomed him to the table.

    When it was that they sat at the table with him, enjoying the meal and the fellowship, their eyes were opened.  They realized that the man they had traveled with was actually Jesus.  They were given the privilege to see, to truly see for the first time ever, that Jesus was right there before them.  And they saw him at a meal.

    I wonder what we might see if we spent time with people around the table?  What might we miss when we decide who is worthy to sit at the table and who is not?  Could it be that we miss seeing Jesus when our table is reserved for those that are like us?  Jesus shows up in the most unexpected ways at the most unexpected times.  It just might be that he shows up for us when we welcome others to the table.

    When this stay at home order ends, when we begin to gather, may our tables be full of joy and laughter.  May our meals be with those we don’t know and those we can’t wait to know better.  May our stomachs fill with good things and our hearts burn from the experience of being with other children of God.  And may God fill our experiences with glimpses of him. May it happen around the table.

    The Family-Style Dinner Table in the Woods_.

  • Restoration

    I sit on my back patio this morning working remote and considering how our world has been turned upside down in just a few short weeks – just craziness.  After a while, all that’s going on begins to beat us down and make us weary.  Our souls can just be so very weary and tired.  There are signs of hope that pop up – I find just enough to encourage and motivate.  There are loving notes being sent, positive thoughts being shared, and kind texts floating around finding their way to just the right person at just the right time.  There is food being shared and face masks being made.  There are so many good things.  But those seem so small if we get caught up in the overwhelming weight of it all.  They can get lost in the darkness of these times and the depth of the troubles (at least if you watch the news).  But this morning, the birds still sing their beautiful song, the sun shines extra bright and the breeze is a welcome refreshment to the craziness we call life.  I lay my head back in the sun and these words echo in my heart… “He restores my soul”  Yes!!  In the middle of the turmoil, chaos, and unknowns…God restores my soul.  So we soak in the love and allow God to do what God does best – restoration.  May God restore your soul today.

    He restores my soul

  • New Life is Beginning…Easter Sunday

    You cannot fully appreciate the resurrection of Sunday until you have been through the darkness of Friday and the silence of Saturday.  You do not know what joy it brings to have new life until you have seen the old life die.  You cannot grasp the gravity of the defeat of death until you have wallowed in the grief of the grave.  You cannot fully understand life until you have experienced life taken.  You cannot embrace the love of Christ until you begin to see that this Love was willing to die for you.

    We absolutely celebrate this Easter Sunday that Jesus is arisen – he is arisen indeed!  But that celebration follows the heavy, dark, deep grief of the last two days.  For just a moment, we have to put ourselves in the place of the disciples.  Their lives have been destroyed, moment by moment, as Jesus was beaten, battered, and eventually hung on a cross to die.  Jesus breathed his last breath.  Take that in for a moment.  Jesus breathed his last breath.  The Creator and Sustainer of life had no life.  He was put to death.  He was put to death and no one really fully understood why.  No one really got it.  It was a rush, an opportunity by the authorities to get this done, to pull one over while the chance offered itself.  If you get rid of the problem, everything goes back to normal, right?  If you can stop the one that is making trouble and challenging the control, then all will resume, surely.  Jesus was taking away control from those that had the clutches on control.  Controlling people was their specialty.  They may have even tried to control…God?  But Jesus had none of that.  Now he is dead, though.  He is dead and control is back where it belongs.  Except it is not.  Nothing will ever be the same again.  Jesus may be dead, but that is not the end of the story.  The disciples don’t know that.  They didn’t understand there was more to the story.  They didn’t get that this was the end of a chapter, not the end of the book.  There was more.  There is more.  But the disciples and Mary, Mary Magdalene, Martha, Lazarus…all they see is defeat, death, the tomb.  It had all happened so fast and now everyone is reeling from it all.  Everyone.  What is next?

    For the Marys, it is time to prepare the body.  That is what is next.  Passover has concluded, they can now do what their tradition holds for them to do.  It is part of their duty and yet it brings such peace – a sense of being able to do one last thing for Jesus.  As difficult as it is, they would have it no other way.  Jesus deserved the best and they would give that to him.  Except, they couldn’t.  He wasn’t there.

    Matthew 28:1-10 *scripture included below*

    It is Easter Sunday so you know…He IS risen.  But look at all the activity that took place for those first to the tomb, for those that were up early to serve.  They caught a glimpse of the mystery, they were invited into the Holy, they became a part of the unveiling.  God was NOT done yet.  A messenger brings what we consider good news – but what must have seemed like absolutely confusing and strange – even fearful news at the time.  He is not here.  Such a simple few words with more meaning that our minds can possibly comprehend – HE IS NOT HERE.  Where is he?  What happened?  What do you mean he is not here?  Who moved him?  What could possibly be going on?  Why is he not here?  And what do we do about this?  Then the news…he has been raised.  Raised from what?  Raised from the ground?  Taken to higher ground?  Raised higher in the tomb?  Taken to a safer place?  Not here and raised…what does this even mean?  Then the words…Come and see.  See for yourself what has happened.  See where he was and where he is no more.  Come over, get a closer look, and experience the mystery…experience what God has done.  He is NOT here!

    And now they are told to go.  Come and see – experience, take it in – allow it to wash over you like a shower of forgiveness.  And now go.  Go tell, go see for him for yourself.  Go tell the others what you have seen and what has happened…and then go meet him.  He is waiting for you.

    Matthew tells us that they left with fear and great joy.  That seems like a mix of emotions.  I bet they were a ball of nervous and confused energy.  What do we do with this?  What does this mean?  We saw him die, we know he died.  How can he be alive?  What has happened?  Excitement, fear, joy, sorrow, highs, lows and everything in between -all rolled into a ball as big as the stone that covered the tomb.  Except it has been moved.  Jesus knew this.  Jesus knew these women better than anyone.  He knew their heart, their sincerity, their love.  He knew their grief, he watched them mourn at his very feet.  He understood the weight of what had been poured down as his blood trickled right before their very eyes.  He got it.  And so he meets them on the way – for assurance, for guidance – but most of all, for love.  This was not the end, this is the turn of the chapter, a new life has begun.

    Our new life has begun.  In the middle of the turmoil, despite the darkness, in the center of our fears, new life is beginning.  Jesus is risen and that means something today – just like it meant something to Mary, Mary and the disciples.  It means hope has been restored.  It means the light has not been extinguished.  It means there is still life – and life forevermore.  Death does not have the final say, God does.  The devil does not have the ultimate hold, Jesus does.  Hatred, fear, anger do not have to rule our hearts – love can – love will – love does.  Love overwhelms and shines light in the dark places.  Love conquers – love wins.  Jesus brings new life.

    So, if you feel the darkness and the heaviness – if you are weighed down by the destruction, the mess that has too long wreaked havoc in your life, the hatred that has filled your very heart, and anger that has overtaken your mind – this is not the end.  You are not defeated.  You are no longer captive to your sin.  You are no longer a slave.  You are not captured, but you are set free.  Because Jesus arose, light has shone brighter than the noonday.  Because Jesus arose, you have the opportunity for life – real, true life.  You have the opportunity for freedom and joy.  You can have peace.  Darkness does not have to be all you see.  Because Jesus arose, he brings love where love has never been welcomed – into our hearts.  Jesus is alive.  Is HE alive in you?

    Jesus died so that we would have life.  If you are tired and longing for real life, seek Jesus.  If you are overwhelmed and beat up, find Jesus – he is waiting.  He died for you so that you would not live in the misery.  Jesus heals, your heart and your life.  Today, may we invite Jesus to live in us, through us, and with us.  May his Spirit guide our steps.  May his love wash over us and spill out everywhere we go.  And may he set us free – for he truly redeems.  Seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened, ask and you shall receive – Jesus is waiting for you today.  Blessings as he changes your life forever.

    Scripture Reference:  Matthew 28:1-10

    After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

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  • The Silence…Holy Saturday

    There is an eerie silence in the air.  It is almost as if the world has stopped moving, time is standing still and the earth is holding its breath.  The silence hangs over me, waiting to take me over – for there are no words.  I am not sure what to even do next.  Why can’t this just be a nightmare I can wake up from?  Why does it have to continue?  What do I do without the one that called me to the light?  What does it all mean with Jesus dead?  Was it all for nothing?  Has the light been extinguished?  Am I no longer a Child of the Light?  And there is silence…no answer, no peace, nothing but silence.  I want to go back to bed and cover my head and pretend it never happened.  But it did – I saw, I experience, I am changed.

    They killed Jesus.  We killed Jesus.  The man that brought such love to this world is gone.  Does that mean love ends?  Does that mean there is no hope for this world?  I can’t possibly go back to doing things the way I had before I met him.  I can’t find a way to believe what I did before he changed me.  I can’t worship the way I once did.  Jesus is dead and I am lost.

    I have also heard that Judas is dead.  He was the reason I met Jesus in the first place.  He was the one that reached out to me to introduce this new way to live.  I do not understand what happened to him.  All that took place was so unlike him.  I knew him to be a good guy.  He sat at the same table as Jesus.  He had his feet washed just like everyone else.  I saw how he looked at Jesus and it was not with hatred, but with a longing to belong.  He wasn’t cruel and he wasn’t filled with hate.  Something took over  for him to bring all those soldiers to Jesus.  And I can’t even talk to him about it.  He is dead.

    I sit at my kitchen table unable to eat.  I can’t sleep – the images of what has happened burned into my mind.  It feels like a heavy weight on my chest and my breathing is labored.  I do not know what to do.  So I sit in silence and wait.  Wait for what I do not know.  But I wait.

    Focus Scripture: John 19:38-42

    38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

    The Silence Giclee Print by Henry Fuseli at AllPosters_com

    The Silence by Henry Fuseli

  • It’s all too much… Good Friday of Holy Week

    I’m not sure I can express what I have seen tonight.  I am without words, in complete shock.  I am hurt to the depths of my soul and there is an aching of which I have never experienced before.  These have been the most difficult moments of my life.  I am drained, I am weary, I feel defeated, I am hopeless.  What I once thought is no more.  I am now living in a state of disbelief – is this nightmare ever going to end?  I don’t think so.  I don’t see how it can.  It is finished.

    I will do my best with what I have seen and heard.  It is a little spotty because things happened so very fast and I felt so out of control.  It was as if events flashed before my eyes and all I could do was hold on.  It all began with the washing of the feet, the whisper that Judas had with Jesus, the dinner.  It all seemed to begin there.  After the meal, everyone got up and headed out.  I wasn’t quite ready to go home, so I tagged along.  They went to this garden which seemed familiar to everyone else, like they had been there multiple times.  I had been by the garden but had not actually spent any time here.  It was not somewhere I was completely familiar.  Then I see Judas coming up.  At first, it was a welcome sight because he was the one that had invited me to the dinner in the first place – he had introduced me to Jesus.  But the welcome sight became frightening very quickly.  He was not alone.  There were soldiers and police with him.  I tried to make eye contact with him, but he would not look my way.  It was as if he had turned into someone I did not know.  My heart sank.  What was he doing, what was this all about?  It couldn’t be good.  It turns out that Judas was bringing them to Jesus.

    It becomes even more confusing at that point – it looks like Peter is ready for a fight.  They have brought soldiers and police and so Peter is ready to take them down.  He even cuts one of them.  But from what I could see, Jesus touched him and took care of him – the enemy.  He healed those that had come for him.  I definitely don’t understand why, but I do know that is just who Jesus is.  So they take him like he is a criminal.  I am so confused because I can’t imagine that Jesus has done anything to be treated like this.  You would think he is a fugitive or murderer the way they haul him off.  I could leave but I just can’t go home, not with all this going on.  I follow at a distance.  Peter follows too but I lose him somewhere in the crowd.

    We end up at Pilate’s – the one in charge.  I knew this was more serious than I had originally thought.  It looks like they want him to do something with Jesus.  The crowds have gathered and it looks like a mob.  I feel like someone woke all the people in town and told them to come for a show.  I’m at the back of the crowd and can barely see Jesus – but I did hear that Pilate was offering to set him free.  I thought – good, now we can get this nightmare behind us and go home.  But the people shouted to release someone else instead.  Do these people not know who he is?  Have they not heard him speak?  Have they not eaten the bread he passed out? Who were these people anyway and what did they have against Jesus?  It seemed like everyone around had a vendetta that I was unaware.  What had Jesus done that was so bad – that everyone hated him so much?  So they carried him off.

    I couldn’t watch what happened after that.  It started off bad and I can only imagine it got worse.  They were beating him like he was the most cruel, vile criminal that ever existed.  They treated him like he had killed multiple people and had to pay.  The anger and hatred on their faces as they whipped him was horrifying.  It is amazing what we can do when fueled with hatred and anger.  I turned my head – I was nauseous.  I had seen enough.  I couldn’t watch any longer.  I sat down on the ground and tried to pretend this wasn’t happening.  Everyone was so angry – so much rage.  It was destroying me inside.

    Before I knew it, the crowd was moving again.  Whether it was hours or minutes, I do not know.  I was losing track of time and days.  This was the worst experience of my life.  I wanted to go home but I needed to know what they were going to do to Jesus.  I felt so helpless in that all I could do was watch.  I could see him through the crowds, he looked defeated.  I wouldn’t even have known it was him if I hadn’t been there.  They had beaten him beyond recognition and now had given him a cross.  They were going to hang him.  They were really going to do this.  I couldn’t understand why or how.  I didn’t understand what he did.  No one could tell me.  They just wanted him dead.  And I just wanted to be sitting at the table with him over dinner – learning what it meant to love.

    The next image is burned in my mind for the rest of my life.  I will never be able to forget.  From the back of the crowd, I see a wooden cross hoisted from the ground and on it was Jesus.  I just couldn’t.  This was too much.  It was over.  I went home.

    Today’s Scripture – John 18:1-19:42

    18 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”[a] Jesus replied, “I am he.”[b] Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus[c] said to them, “I am he,”[d]they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”[e] 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he.[f] So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

    12 So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

    15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17 The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.

    19 Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20 Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

    25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

    28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters.[g] It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters,[h] so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32 (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)

    33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters[i] again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?”

    After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. 39 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

    19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”

    8 Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9 He entered his headquarters[j] again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”

    13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat[k] on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew[l] Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

    So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew[m] is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth,[n] the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew,[o] in Latin, and in Greek. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24 So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says,

    “They divided my clothes among themselves,
    and for my clothing they cast lots.”

    25 And that is what the soldiers did.

    Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

    28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

    31 Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows[p] that he tells the truth.) 36 These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”

    38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

    He did where you're by Yongsung Kim

  • The Feet…Maundy Thursday – Holy Week

    It is helpful to know that I do not care for feet.  I appreciate and am grateful to have them.  I know they give me freedom and allow me to travel.  I wash them before I enter people’s homes because it is customary.  I work to make sure they look okay considering I spend a lot of time outside.  I try very hard not to take them for granted.  But, they are feet.  Feet are generally just nasty.  They get dusty and dirty with every step.  So who would have ever thought I could actually learn something from them?  It is a lesson that is forever burned in my memory.  And I have to say – maybe I don’t dislike feet as much as I once did.  After all, how beautiful are the feet…

    It was dinner time and we were all gathered together, me included.  I felt like I belonged.  I had never felt this sense of being a part of something so big and yet so personal.  The joy that welled up inside while in the presence of this person was simply indescribable.  I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say next.  And he always offered the unexpected.  I don’t think he ever did all of the customary traditions yet he always had a variation of the traditions that felt so pure.  He didn’t seem to buy into all the extra rules, but gave his own spin that made you stop and consider what you were doing.  Most of what he taught hit me later.  I would listen intently to what he said and during the night I would awaken to what he had actually said.  I know my spouse thought I had lost my mind as I would sit up and explain – REALLY?!  It was like a lightbulb would go off and I began, in some small simple way, to understand his teachings.

    This meal seems to be no exception.  During dinner, at the least expected time, came the least expected event.  Jesus gets up from his place as if he is on a mission.  He has something on his mind, you can tell.  He grabs a towel, the one that is used by the servants when you enter the home, and he ties it around his waist.  First of all, I have never seen that done except by an actual servant.  That job is one of those that no one actually signs up for.  They wash the feet of the important guests as they enter.  At my house, we wash our own feet but I also don’t remember any important guests entering my doorway either.  For Jesus to take this place is almost embarrassing.  A man of his caliber has no business even having to touch that towel, much less putting it on.  But here we are.  He takes the towel and puts it around his waist and begins to wash feet.  All I could think was – I’m really glad I am not near the center of the table right now – I’m not sure my feet should ever be washed by him.

    The first few people he washed seemed to be in shock but didn’t say anything.  There were no words.  He had spoken volumes without ever uttering a single vowel.  They seemed dumbfounded.  So was I.  Had I missed something?  Was this a new ritual?  Was there a change in roles?  I could not wrap my mind around it.  Everyone just patiently watched him until he got to Peter.  I don’t know Peter all that well, but I do know he says what he thinks.  He seems to lack a filter.  He is never mean nor rude, he just doesn’t give consideration to what he is about to say.  So the only one with words is, of course, Peter.  I have to give him credit, though.  He said what I was thinking.  He told Jesus that he wasn’t worthy for him to wash his feet.  Jesus had no business taking such a menial task.  He is the teacher, the guide, the prophet.  This is not what he should be doing.  Peter even was willing to wash Jesus’ feet if he would just stop.  You could tell Peter was a bit taken back.  I wanted to confirm what he was saying, but Jesus quickly stepped in.  Jesus told him he could not walk alongside of him if he did not wash his feet – basically that he just wasn’t getting it right now but if he was going to follow, this was what he had to learn.  So Peter told him to wash it all, every part of him – again carrying things a bit too far.  Jesus, in his kind way, simply told him that it only needed to be his feet for him to get it.  It was almost like – calm down Peter, you will get it if you just give it a minute and pay attention.

    Jesus finished washing feet, then gets up, takes off the towel and takes his place at the table.  I had no idea what just happened.  All I know is that I just witnessed this loving, gifted teacher wash his follower’s feet.  I can assure you that this has never happened before.  He took the time to explain.  But his explanation blew my mind just as much as the action.  He knew what he was doing.  He knew he was the teacher and that he had humbly taken on the role of the servant.  He wanted them to do the same for others.  And that was that.  He wanted them, and us, to do what he had just done.

    I went to bed that night with my head about to explode.  I didn’t get it.  What was the deal with washing feet?  Why would Jesus, such an important leader, do such a menial, humbling task?  And what did he mean by us doing the same?  It seems it has something to do with being a servant, helping others realize their worth, and remembering that everyone is equal.  Now, those are concepts that could change the world.

    Focus Scripture: John 13:1-17

    13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table,[a] took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet,[b] but is entirely clean. And you[c] are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

    12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants[d] are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

    Greatest Among You

  • I Belong…Wednesday of Holy Week

    I have to admit, I am getting accustomed to being around this group.  Sometimes I feel out of place – like an extra person that doesn’t belong or a third person in a courting ritual.  Judas, the one who invited me, assures me I am welcome.  So I tag along – mostly to spend time soaking it all in.  If I’m honest, after the experience I had with Jesus proclaiming the children of the light, I just can’t walk away.  I’m captivated by his presence.  It feels as though I have known him my entire life, yet it has only been a short time.  When he looks at me, it is a look I can’t really describe.  It almost sounds weird to say it, but it makes me feel worthy. I don’t know how a look can do this – but Jesus has it.

    This particular night, the mood was so somber and I felt as though I was a part of something that I was not ready for.  Jesus didn’t seem his usual self.  Something must have been on his mind.  He is always so caring and compassionate that I can’t remember him with this sense of heaviness.  It made me feel uneasy.  In the short time I had gotten to meet him, I had already begun to look to him for reassurance.  This was difficult.

    He said something about someone betraying him, like someone at dinner that night.  I thought to myself – they sure have some nerve showing up to dinner.  But the weight of the sentence slowly settled over me like a heavy wet blanket.  It seemed to take my breath away.  Someone would betray him – I had trouble focusing.  My mind went through a thousand scenarios of what this could even mean.  How would anyone do that?  Had these people not heard him?  Had they not felt his presence?  Had they not seen the love and compassion that he gave to everyone around?  What did they not get?  And how would anyone really do anything against him?  I know he made the people in charge mad (okay, he made them downright angry and violent) – but they weren’t here.  The people around this table were people like me.  We had all come because this was where we wanted to be.  We wanted to hear more, learn more, grow more.  We wanted to be here.

    I’ll never forget the very first dinner Judas invited me to with Jesus.  I was so intimidated.  I am an average worker, no one really knows who I am.  I make enough to feed my family and that is about it.  I’m not anyone special.  But Judas assured me – like he always did – that I would not feel out of place.  We had been friends since birth and I trusted him.  So I went.  I remember walking in and feeling as though I had been there before.  It was like walking into my grandparent’s home where the smell of the food brought such happiness as it filled my lungs.  It was the hug you always craved from family that loves you.  The fellowship was warm and inviting like sitting with old friends you haven’t seen in a while.  Jesus made me feel especially welcome.  He took the time to hear my story, to learn more about me.  And he never forgot my name.  Even today as I sit at this table, he knows my name.  This man that sees so many people every day knows who I am.  Somehow, I always feel invited to his table – no matter how I look or feel – no matter if I have just come out of the field or in the best clothes I have – whether I have had a chance to wash my feet or walk in without any proper preparation – I am always invited.  I feel like he welcomes me where I am – just like I am – no special presentation needed.

    I have to snap back to reality – to what is going on in this moment.  As Jesus announces that someone is going to betray him, someone at the table, I notice Peter and John whispering – and then talking to Jesus.  Jesus says something to my friend Judas.  He gets up, takes his stuff and leaves.  I wasn’t sure what to do.  Do I stay?  Do I need to leave since the one that invited me has left?  Judas didn’t look my way or give me any indication of what was happening.  For a moment, I once again felt out of place, like maybe I should leave.  But I looked at Jesus and in a split second, I knew I was right where I belonged.  I had a place at the table and he loved me.  He knew my name and I belonged.  I could stay – I was beginning to realize I really was a child of the Light.

    Focus scripture for today: John 13:21-30

    21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.”[g] So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.[h] 27 After he received the piece of bread,[i]Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

    King Arthur Flour's Artisan Bread Baking Class | Bluprint

  • A Child of the Light…Tuesday of Holy Week

    This man, Jesus, has been absolutely fascinating.  I don’t know what it is about him.  He is like so many others in appearance.  There is something in the way that he speaks, in his words, and in his actions that make me want to know more.  I have heard that some people are really upset about the things that he has said.  But I just want to know more.  I want to hear more of what he is teaching.  It sounds familiar but with a twist.  There is passion and love that seems to spill from his presence.  I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something very different about this man.  So I decided to follow a group that is seeking him out.  I don’t know their intentions, but I know I just want to know more.  It is more than curiosity – it is like a pull that I cannot explain.  It is as if there is a rope around my heart pulling me closer and closer to him – just to hear him speak – simply to be in his presence.

    I remember seeing several of the guys that walk with Jesus all the time.  They are interesting guys that seem much like us.  They are not the holier than thou kind of people.  They don’t seem to know much more than we do.  They are definitely guys we can relate.  So we walk up to one of them and ask to see Jesus.  One of them goes off and Jesus comes back with him.  I am constantly amazed that he would take the time to see us, to spend any moment with him.  He seems a bit more serious than the other times I have seen him.  It looks like he is carrying a heavy weight.  I am even more surprised he is willing to see us.

    What happens next I can’t really explain.  It has never happened before.  And I’ve never experienced anything quite like it since.  Jesus was talking about what it meant to follow him.  I was hanging on his every word, yet not quite understanding what he was trying to say.  I wanted to take it in – but as he was speaking, a loud sound shook us at our core.  It was like thunder -at least that is what I would closely compare it.  That is the only thing I have ever experienced like it.  I felt like the earth may open and swallow me.  It was not a cloudy day – the sun was high and strong as it usually is.  There was no indication of anything different – a hot, dry and dusty day.  It only happened once but it was one of those times I will never forget.  My heart dropped and I felt like I wasn’t going to be able to ever get it to stop from beating so rapidly.  I looked at Jesus – his expression had not changed.  He did not look surprised, he did not look shaken.  He was calm, as if he was taking it all in…almost like he knew it was coming and was okay with it.  He continued to talk – helping us in some small way to know that this was all okay, no matter what.

    From there, I have to be honest – it gets a bit muddled for me.  There were people challenging Jesus on this whole Messiah thing.  I just wanted to hear him speak.  I just wanted to listen to his wisdom.  He has something to offer and I wanted to see him.  But there was something that I was able to capture – that I have held on to because it spoke so very loudly to me – as loudly as the thunder.  It was a couple of sentences that sang to me as if it was spoken from a chorus of angels.  The words were of hope and tears fell from my cheeks.  I can’t explain it – I’m not sure I completely understand it myself.  But it took my breath away when said it…and it takes my breath away still today.  He said… “While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.”  I want to be that child.  I want that light in my life.  I want to know that I am loved and welcomed.  Give me the light…I want to become a child of the light.  Shine bright in me.  And that has changed my life forever.

    Today’s message is from John 12:20-36:

    20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

    27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people[a] to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34 The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah[b]remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”  After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.

    4E5F0084-B356-4B96-9F0F-99A73F851656

  • The Offering…Monday of Holy Week

    Being invited to dinner is never a minor deal.  Sitting at the table with others is such a gift we often take for granted.  To spend the time around the table means something – someone has poured out their love before those that have gathered – there is a bonding, a new way of seeing someone – the table brings those who might not come together otherwise in a single space at a single time.  It is so much more than a meal.  This one was even more unique.

    I was invited to the house of Lazarus, Mary and Martha.  They are well known in town, especially now.  Lazarus has become something of a legend – I guess that is what happens when you are raised from the dead.  Everyone wants to see him, touch him and know that he is real.  Since my family has been friends with them for years, it just seems like old times to me.  They are the family you know will answer the door if you knock in the middle of the night. They can be counted on.  They carry such love and compassion that you can’t help but admire them.  To be invited to dinner was fun and something I couldn’t wait to take part.

    Martha made the most fantastic meal – though she is known for her ability to cook.  The aroma from her kitchen lets you know that this meal will be memorable.  She knows how to take fresh ingredients and put them together in such a way that your taste buds water just walking through the door.  She had been working on this meal all day.  You know just by the spread that she had on the table.  Martha is known for going all out, but she really outdid herself this night.  It was her offering to Jesus.  They seemed to know him so much better than most.  This family had been so close with Jesus for years.  I had only heard of him through whispers and gossip.  But to see him ride in on a donkey was quite different than I would have imagined.  He was definitely unique.

    After we finished the meal, Mary – she had held on to Jesus’ every word – did something I have not seen done before.  We are a modest family much like this one.  We have food to eat, but not a lot of extra for anything else.  Mary brings out the most fragrant, sweet perfume that I have ever smelled.  It was entrancing.  All eyes were on Mary – she stopped all conversation.  Martha had an offering of a meal.  Mary has an offering of anointing.  This perfume was pure and unique.  It was the kind you reserved for the best of the best – if you had it at all.  I felt like I was in the presence of royalty as she began to anoint Jesus’ feet and delicately, carefully wipe them with her hair.  It was an experience that took my breath away – such humility and love poured out with every movement.  She seemed to know something.  These 3 seemed to know something that none of the rest of us understood.  They seemed to be preparing Jesus for something.  I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was like they knew this was the last time they would have dinner with him, ever.  It was as if they were preparing to see him for the last time.

    One of the men with Jesus had something to say about the cost of the perfume.  Jesus put him in his place pretty quickly.  This man apparently didn’t get what was going on.  He seemed to be even more clueless than I was.  All I can say is that this was the most powerful meal I had ever taken part.  This was a meal to remember.

    *As we move through Holy Week, on this Monday we remember the meal where Mary anointed Jesus’ feet. But I don’t want to forget the other offerings there as well.  We tend to focus solely on Mary’s anointing because it drew so much attention.  It was costly and it cost her to give of what she had to do this.  I am not dismissing the extravagance that she has gone through to prepare Jesus for what is ahead.  It is beautiful and moving.  But there is also the offering of Martha’s meal.  She had prepared for this day as well.  And there was the fellowship with Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus, that literally owed his life to Jesus.  This family had a special bond with Jesus that cannot be explained in words.  It is as if they understood him without him speaking a word.  The fellowship, the meal, the anointing – all offerings to the One that would soon make the ultimate sacrifice.  Jesus was not alone in this last journey – not at this meal.  His friends loved him and seemed to understand in some small way that there was more to come.

    What offerings do we have for Jesus on this Monday of Holy Week?  What do we have to give?  We may not think there is anything we have to offer – we are shut up in a home or confined to a job that is essential.  How can we give any sort of offering?  Maybe, just maybe, we give of what we have.  I think of Jesus teaching that when you have fed, clothed, sheltered, visited the least of these, you have done it for him.  While we might not visit in person, we can still check on others, encourage others, pray for others.  Love is possible even if not in person.  What offering do you have for Jesus?  When it comes from our heart, from a deep place of love – it is exactly what Jesus is seeking.  May our offerings bring love, hope and joy this Holy Monday.

    Blessings to you and your offerings!

    The focus scripture today is John 12:1-11

    12 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them[a] with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it[c] so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

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