Mark 11 and John 12
November 11, 2014


Lord, bless our veterans, and all those who serve this country selflessly.
I was thinking about what I might blog about as I read over the passages for today, and it occurred to me that the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem sort of overshadows the other events that are listed there.  Yet, they must be very important or they wouldn't be mentioned, would they?

Jesus curses a fig tree that has no fruit...but it wasn't the season for fruit!   I doubt that fact escaped Jesus' attention.   I never go up  to an apple tree in May expecting to see apples, I know they aren't produced until later in the year.   Jesus would have known that.

So, even though He was hungry, and looking for figs, there must be another reason for cursing the tree.  It wouldn't make sense that He lost his temper and said something rash.  There's no evidence in the Bible that Jesus ever did that. And the tree could have produced a fig right in front of Him, if that's what He wanted.   So, why curse the tree?   Probably so that the disciples could see the miracle, Any tree that does not have fruit when the Master expects it will wither and die, void of His favor.   And all this will occur based solely on a Word from Him.

Jesus then give this wonderful instruction "if you have the smallest amount of faith, you will be able to do the greatest things".  (my paraphrase).    If only we could accept that!   There is literally NOTHING that is impossible for the Christian.   Death itself cannot contain us.  We will rise again, much to the consternation of the devil.   If we have faith, we will produce fruit.  The fruit that Christ speaks of is not to be acquired by human labor alone, nor can it ever be.  It must be obtained by good works done in faith and obedience.

Jesus speaks several times here about "following him".  I suspect that is synonymous with "producing fruit".   Those who call themselves disciples should be actively working to please the Master.


Then, we have the brief account of Mary pouring perfume on the feet of Jesus.
It seems to me that we have several different "types" of people in our churches.  The pragmatic, common sense and reserved group,  and the expressive, artistic, emotive and impulsive group.   Not to make too much of this rather small point, but I believe that the two groups need each other.   And of course, there are different degrees of each, even to where the lines blur between them.   I suppose there are a few out there who are the perfect balance of both expression and pragmatism, but most of us fall to one side or the other.   Such is the case with Mary and Martha.   Martha is serving, working and Mary is pouring a years worth of wages on Jesus' feet, and then wiping them with her hair...either because she didn't think about bringing a wiping cloth, or because she wanted this to be deeply personal and intimate.   In either case, it's hard to imagine the roles between sisters reversed.  And yet, both of them are integral parts of the story.    Most of us who understand what it is to think like Martha would secretly wish to be Mary...yet we cannot all be Mary.  What if everyone there poured a pint of nard on Jesus?   That wouldn't be nearly as special, and at some point, I think Jesus himself would have objected.     What Mary did was touching and intimate, it stirs our passion and motivates us to risk expressing ourselves in deeply personal ways.   It was truly a beautiful thing that she did.   I see some today who have the gift of expressing themselves in similar manner, and I value their contribution as well.    I also recognize that the expression of Martha, while not as captivating as what Mary is doing, is also a valid expression of love and devotion.   It is more common, more practical and less emotive, but I believe that it is equally appreciated by the Father.

Praise the Lord for those who lead us in worship and in expression in worship!   And praise the Lord also for those who are willingly relegated to the dishroom and kitchen sink as we offer meals to the community!

PR