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| Volume 25 Number 4 April 2023 |
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| Volume 25 Number 4 April 2023 |
Page 4 |
Robert Johnson
“But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work [“good deed” NASV] for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial” (Mark 14:6-8 NKJV). While there are some differences in Mark’s account near the end of Jesus’ ministry with what appears in John 12, many believe they both describe the same event, and that the woman who anointed Jesus was Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. If so, it is an appropriate gesture of love for Jesus in raising her brother from death, along with anointing Him for His impending death. Jesus called her act a good deed, or as variously translated, “a beautiful thing” (ESV), “a noble thing” (HCSB) or “a good service” (NRSV). The Greek term carries the idea of virtuous, useful or what is right. It is interesting that Judas implied this deed was not good and that it was deficient and wasteful since the ointment cost close to a year’s wages. What a contrast between these two people. The woman gave generously to Jesus because she loved Him, while Judas would later betray Jesus because of greed (John 12:6; Matthew 26:15).
This event in the life of Jesus brings to mind His words about judgment in Matthew 25. To those on His right, He will commend them for their service to Him. These individuals will be perplexed about this since they never saw Jesus in any of these conditions. Jesus responded, “…Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). Similarly, to those who Jesus described as accursed for their lack of service to Him, they responded that they never saw Him in any of those conditions. Jesus replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” (Matthew 25:45).
We do not have the opportunity to anoint Jesus with costly perfume as this woman did. We do, however, have the opportunity to do good to others in Jesus’ name. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). It is a noble thing or a beautiful thing to show love for Christ by doing for others, as Christ considers such a commitment to Him as a service to Him. Could we also say that by not using our opportunities to do for others that we are being greedy with the time and resources with which God has blessed us? Does Christ consider that an affront to Him in view of His love and sacrifice on our behalf? Would He use the term accursed today as then? Surely, no one wants to think Christ could speak that of him or her on the Day of Judgment! We all want to hear the blessed words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, 23).
As we go through life, there will be occasions where we can show kindness to each other, help others and show the love of God at work in us. That is what it’s all about, isn’t it? Love. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). It doesn’t have to be something huge, wildly expensive or beyond the capability of others; it does have to come from love. Shouldn’t the love God has given us in Christ inspire our love to offer our best for Him? To do for others is to do for our Lord. Don’t be greedy with the blessings God offers us. Share them with others and show people something they may have never seen – Christ in you. It truly is a beautiful thing. “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
Oil and Water
Derek Broome
Have you ever thought about some of the challenges the first century church faced? No, I am not talking about persecution, imprisonment or even physical death, but I am referring to the binding of two groups of people together. Basically, the world of the first century was divided into two distinct groups of people: Jew and Gentile. These two groups did not mix well together. They were kind of like oil and water. Their customs were different, their religions were different, and even their food was different. So, imagine what it must have been like when these two groups of people first came together as the church. It was hard; it was difficult. Yes, it is true that these two groups were brought together by God. They were built up together on the foundation of Jesus (Ephesians 2:19-22). That wall of separation had been brought down, and those who were far off were brought near to be together with God and His one united people (Ephesians 2:14-18). However, they were still people. There were still struggles and problems, and people had to learn, change and grow. God’s plan was perfect, but people were still people.
When we look into Acts 15:1, we see one of the big problems that sometimes came between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Teachers from Judea were teaching that Gentiles had to be circumcised in order to be saved. Physical circumcision and the keeping of the Law were points of contention for many. Things had changed, and people had to change with it. I am so thankful that the godly men in Acts 15 saw that the Gospel was for all. Physical circumcision cannot compare to the true circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:25-3:1). The Law did not and does not offer justification from sin (Romans 3:20). It didn’t matter if a person came from a Jewish or a Gentile background. All that mattered was that they obeyed the Gospel and that they continued to keep the commands of the Lord (Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:7).
In our day and time, we still deal with struggles just like the first century church did. No, the division is not Jew and Gentile anymore, but there are still things that may divide us. Sometimes, we are divided by age. Older Christians don’t always understand younger Christians, and younger Christians don’t always understand older Christians. Sometimes we are divided by occupation or financial status. Some persons are white collar, blue collar or even no collar. Division has no place in the church. We read in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
As God’s people, we are to focus on the Gospel and the commandments of the Lord. We are to put aside things like age, occupation, financial status, nationality and the countless other things that sometimes get in the way of the church growing together. Oil and water may not ever mix, but God’s family is to be one united body. Let us teach the truth, live godly lives, put away worldly wisdom and live to honor God.