A Gift & an Argument

During my devotions, (one-on-one time with Jesus, sitting at Jesus' feet, being with my best friend, honoring the King of Kings), I was captured by the meal where Jesus was anointed with oil for His death, burial and resurrection.

Can you imagine the scene?

Martha preparing, cooking, serving and cleaning up a banquet fit for a King.

Lazarus sitting next to Jesus, out of shear joy and gratitude that Jesus raised him from the dead. Think of the stories he had about his death and resurrection experience. I wonder what his book would have been filled with as it would have become a NY Times Best Seller.

Simon, the leper, sitting next to Jesus willing to do anything for him as he was healed from his disease. How long did Simon's family experience a split home, a single parent family, a fatherless home? I wonder what dysfunctional issues had set in that Simon discovered after being healed and reunited with his family?

Can you see these two men whose lives had been deeply impacted by Jesus sitting on either side of Jesus? Two manly men totally committed to this man Jesus.

Judas... Possibly eating quickly. Demanding his meal to be reheated. Dreaming of the authority he would receive when Jesus takes over the government. Dreaming of the home and benefits he would receive after the Messiah takes over. Power. Greed. Positions of authority.

Mary, after months of thinking, brainstorming how she can show her love for her Savior, pours her most precious item she owns on Jesus to anoint Him. This act of pure love fills the house with an unforgettable aroma.

Can you see this scene in your minds? Pause long enough to see this dinner party.

The sudden interruption - Judas, objected, "Why wasn't this sold and the money given to the poor?!"

What were his real motives behind this objection?

A gift! - Mary's love.
An argument! - Judas' objection.

What a night Jesus must have experienced....
What a memorable experience for each dinner guest and host....

A gift!
An argument!

How many times has Jesus experienced this through the history of the world....
People coming and bringing a gift to Jesus and at the same time bringing an argument to Jesus.

How often have I brought Jesus a gift and an argument?
How often have you brought Jesus a gift and an argument?

Paul articulates this inner soul battle with asking the question, why do I do what I do not want to do and don't do what I want to do.

James describes it with the use of the tongue; our tongue has the power to praise and curse at the same time.

What gifts are you bringing to Jesus? How are you intentionally thinking and planning like Mary did on how you can demonstrate your love for Jesus?

What arguments well up out of your soul, (old nature) that prevent you from fully teaming up with Jesus? What objections do you shove out of your mind that cause you to just go through the motions of being a Christian while you still seek to build you own kingdom?

A gift and an argument!

Overwhelmed by the presence of Jesus and His experience at this dinner party.
Pastor Chris
   

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