Hold On

John 12:1-11

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (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.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

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. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

On this Monday morning, we begin the journey of Holy Week with a visit to Bethany and the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. I don’t think it can be overstated how important these three people were to Jesus. In some ways, I think they were a kind of extended family for him, and their home was a place where he felt safe. If you remember, we first encounter them when Jesus makes a visit to Bethany and Martha prepares a meal for him while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning as he teaches. Martha is resentful that she has no help in the kitchen, but Jesus tells Martha she worries about too many things and commends Mary for making the better decision.

Then, sometime later, we meet the sisters again when their brother Lazarus dies. They send for Jesus, but he arrives too late to help the sick Lazarus, and Jesus weeps as he learns of his friend’s untimely death. Upon arriving in Bethany, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, much to the astonishment of his sisters and the gathered community.

Finally, today, we encounter Lazarus and the sisters as Jesus makes a last visit to the home of his friends. It is five days before the celebration of the Passover and five days before Jesus is crucified. Once again, Martha busies herself in the kitchen. But Mary, sensing that the end is near, is so full of grief and love for Jesus that she takes a pound of the most expensive perfumed ointment and pours it over his feet. In what must have been a very intimate scene, she wipes his feet with her own hair, offering everything she has—even herself—to honor her teacher and master.

On this Monday in Holy Week, as we too make our way to Jerusalem and the Good Friday cross, I know there are numerous people in our community and across the country who are grieving. Good and faithful civil servants, government contractors, and many others who have spent years—careers—doing the best they can to serve our nation, only to discover that their jobs, their agencies, their hard work have suddenly come to an end. Moreover, I know there are many other people who are facing illness, loss, or the painful end of a relationship. So many of us are like Mary right now—struggling to understand what is going on and fearful about the future.

Considering all of this, what does today’s lesson have to offer us? Well, first, remember that Mary in her grief and worry did not turn away from Jesus. Quite the opposite—she clung to him. She did her best to honor and love him in the only ways she knew how. During these difficult days, we must try to cling to Jesus through our prayers. We must try to cling to his love, to his promises, to the fact that, as the Word made flesh, Jesus knew and knows the pain we are experiencing. Second, we must never forget that at the end of this week, we are confronted not only with the reality of the cross but also with the miracle of the empty tomb. The cross is not the end; the Gospels tell us there is always new life to come.

Friends, we will make our way through these days. Have faith, hold on to hope, and always remember—love wins in the end.

Blessings,
Randy+

prayer

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Lenten meditations each have a companion morning prayer video offered by the same clergy.  View the YouTube playlist to find this meditation’s companion video, or to watch others.