Saturday

ok. my "project" for this week is to publish writings from Buddy Wood (the family friend that passed away from brain cancer in December.) last year, on his Caring Bridge website, he shared his thoughts on this Easter week, day by day. i printed it and had decided to use it as my personal devotion this week. but then thought some of you might be blessed by it also. SO, when the title of a post is just the day of the week and the text is in PURPLE - that's is Buddy Wood's words dear friends. and you will want to read his words. they are from a man that LOVED God and walked with Him minute by minute.

here we go!

Tomorrow begins the so-called Passion Week of Easter. I am focusing my daily devotionals on events in the life of Jesus each day, based on the traditional view of the chronology (crucifixion on Friday). My plan is to share thoughts on this each day from the garrison, where God's over-the-top peace continues to guard my heart and mind.

On the Friday and Saturday before what we call Palm Sunday, Jesus is spending time with some good friends in a little village on the Mount of Olives. Here is John's account.

"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 the 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 did not 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

As He comes to the week of the cross, Jesus is spending time with his friends Lazarus, Mary (Lazarus' sister, not mother of Jesus), and Martha (also Lazarus' sister). There is much to learn from each one at this dinner.

Lazarus is a walking witness to Jesus' power and authority over death: Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Today Lazarus is enjoying having dinner with his Deliverer. Earlier Jesus said that the purpose of Lazarus sickness was "...so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4) Wow! That's the deep desire of my heart for my sickness!

Martha is doing what she always seems to be doing - serving via her cooking. I have benefited greatly from many of you who are doing the same thing! She understands that servant hood is a hallmark of Jesus' followers. But like many high-intensity servers, she struggles with feeling like she is doing it all and wiht making enough time for personal worship (see Luke 10:38-42).

Mary is where she always seems to be when Jesus is around - at His feet. I am so impressed with how she gives: she gives out of deep love for God, she gives her best, she gives lavishly and she gives in spite of criticism. I also have much to learn from the unconventional, over-the-top way that she gives.

Judas is the ultimate contrast to Mary. What she gives sacrificially he wants to grab selfishly. His complaints about wasting funds are completely dishonest and hypocritical, exposing his real motive - to look good. I'd never do that, would I?

Jesus associates Mary's extravagant anointing with His upcoming burial, showing continued focus on His mission to die for the sins of the world. Even as this dinner progresses, the religious leaders have an "APB" out for Jesus so that they can arrest Him. There's no need for that; Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem tomorrow on His own accord! As He said, "...I lay down my life...No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord." (John 10:17-18)