The First Apostles

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ²And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. ⁵But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. ⁶He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. ⁷Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” ⁸So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. ¹⁰Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28:1-10

On Easter morning the women who were followers of Jesus came to the tomb. They came expecting to find the bodily remains of a dead man. They came with hearts filled with sorrow and despair. But they came to the tomb nonetheless. The earthquake and the appearance of the angel must have been quite startling. Then the guards shook and became "like dead men" (which I presume to mean they passed out). No wonder the first words spoken by the angel are "do not be afraid." The whole scene was like something out of a movie: surreal, powerful, and mysterious.


The message of the angel was to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had been raised from the dead and to meet him in Galilee. Jesus was no longer confined to the tomb and was alive! The women left with "fear and great joy" and ran to tell them. Fear and great joy. This is an interesting combination. Fear because of the awesome display of power shown by the angel and God. Joy because Jesus was alive and he truly was the Messiah! The empty tomb proved all their hopes had been realized and God was at work! Then Jesus himself appeared to women. He showed them he was real and death had been defeated. He also told them to go and tell the disciples.


The women at the tomb were the first apostles. They were witnesses to Jesus' resurrection and they shared the good news. They were sent by Jesus to go and tell, and they faithfully went and told. On this point, all the gospels agree. The women were the first witnesses, while the men got all the credit. The men didn't show up at the tomb, the women did. The angel didn't speak to the men, but to the women. These women had been part of Jesus' ministry from the very beginning, but Christian history has regulated them to secondary status. I believe these women are shining examples of faith, courage, and witnessing. God chose them to be the first witnesses and they were faithful. We could all hope to do the same.


Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful witness to you. Help me share the good news that Christ is Risen! In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Waiting in Hope

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. ³⁹Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. ⁴⁰They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. ⁴¹Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. ⁴²And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42

After Jesus' death his followers were no doubt feeling a variety of emotions: grief, fear, disappointment, anger, despair and more. What do you do next? The one you believed was the Messiah has been crucified. How do you carry on? In the time between Jesus' death on Friday and the empty tomb on Sunday the disciples of Jesus must have truly struggled to understand what it all meant. Was this part of God's plan? Was Jesus a fraud? Was the end near? Would the Romans hunt them down?


In the midst of confusion and fear, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus cared for Jesus' body and prepared him for burial. Joseph was a disciple in secret and Nicodemus was a Pharisee, so they were not at risk of being arrested. Their simple act of kindness and care for Jesus spoke to their ongoing commitment to Jesus. We do not know what they said to one another or what they were thinking. What we do know is that in the midst of their grief, confusion, and fear they did what they could.


The time between Good Friday and Easter is a time of waiting. We wait not knowing; we wait in grief; we wait in hope. Looking back on Jesus' death and resurrection, it is easy to understand Good Friday as a victory. But at the time, it must have seemed a stunning rebuttal and defeat. In times like these we need to cling to hope. The time before it all makes sense; the time before it all works out; the time before grief has passed. Easter is a season of hope in the midst of death and despair. We know how the story ends, let us cling to this hope as we wait.

The Way, The Truth, and The Life

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” ⁵Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-7

As Jesus gathered with the disciples for the last time he knew he was heading to the cross. He knew and was prepared for what this would mean for him. He also knew the disciples would face many of their own challenges after his death. They would have to live in fear because of being hunted by the authorities because their direct connection to Jesus. They would also be tasked with starting the church; sharing the good news with all people and calling all to faith. As Jesus meet with them, he wanted to assure them that while he was leaving them he was not abandoning them. He would go ahead of them and prepare a place for them and then bring them to himself.


These words Jesus spoke, may not have been understood by the disciples at the time, but after his death they would provide great comfort and strength. Thomas was particularly confused about where Jesus was going. Thomas asks "how can we know the way?" Jesus tells him: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the way to the father and by following in the ways of Jesus we will discover the truth about God and ourselves, and receive the promise of eternal life. Following the way of Jesus is the starting point for truth and discovering a life worth living.


This passage is often misused as a hammer against anyone claiming an alternative path to God or salvation outside of Christ. They reason that "if Christ is the way, then no other way can be legitimate." While I cannot affirmatively argue for another way to God outside of Christ, I do not think this is what Jesus had in mind. Jesus' statement was not given in the midst of a discourse about different religions and paths of salvation. He was trying to assure his disciples to not lose faith after his death. His message is that even in death, he is the way to God. Jesus' death on the cross does not invalidate his ministry, but rather proves it. Taken in this context, we can understand Jesus' goal to be to calm the fears and anxieties of his disciples, rather than making an abstract argument for the exclusivity of Christianity.


In the end, Christ offers us the promise that through him we can be in relationship with God. The way of Jesus leads to the cross and the empty tomb. The way of Jesus shows us the truth and offers us life. Faith calls us to believe and trust this promise. Outside of this promise, God gets to decide.


Prayer: Lord, let me follow your ways, live the life you have called me to and discover life in and through you. Help me to share your love and grace with all in my life, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Love in Action

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. ²The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper ³Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, ⁴got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. ⁵Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. ⁶He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” ⁷Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” ⁸Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” ⁹Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” ¹⁰Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” ¹¹For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” John 13:1-11

On the last night of his life Jesus chose to wash feet. He did this as an act of love and service. In ancient days, the wealthy would employ a servant at the door of the home to wash guest's feet as they entered. This was a luxury and considered to be beneath the master of the house to perform. This is why Peter is perplexed by Jesus' actions. Peter most likely thought the disciples should wash Jesus' feet not the other way around. Nonetheless, Jesus performs this humble aspect of hospitality because of his deep love for his disciples. He knew the end was near and wanted them to always know his love for them.


But Jesus' act of footwashing is not only an act of service and love, but also provides an example of faithful living. Jesus modeled servant love and calls the disciples, and us, to follow.

Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ ³⁴I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ³⁵By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:33-35

Jesus commands the disciples to love another, just as he loved them. He commands them to show so much love that all will recognize them as followers of Jesus because of their acts of love. The command to love others entails more than simple affection or care; it implies acts of compassion and sacrifice.


Love, understood from a Christian perspective, is action. Love is not a feeling to be expressed but serving others. We are to love others as Jesus loves us; completely, selflessly, and unconditionally. In a world filled with darkness, despair, brokenness and sin, love is the answer. Jesus commands us to love others because on our own we will struggle to love. Jesus commands us to love because we need to be constantly reminded of the gift of love we have been so freely given. Jesus commands us to love because love makes all the difference.


Lord, let your love rule my heart, mind, and actions. Let me love others as you have first loved me: freely, without condition, and with humility, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Glory Time

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. ²¹They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ²²Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. ²³Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. ²⁵Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:20-26

Throughout the gospel of John, Jesus performed signs that he was the Messiah. These signs allowed those with eyes of faith to understand what God was doing. The final sign that reveals God's plan for salvation is Jesus' death and resurrection. This sign was designed to take place at a particular time and place. As Jesus entered the first Holy Week, he sensed the time was upon him as both Jewish and non-Jewish visitors entered Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. The timing would allow a maximum number of people to be exposed to Christ's death on the cross, creating a greater opportunity for people to come to believe Jesus was the Messiah. And just like the grain of wheat that in death produces life, so to will Christ's journey to the cross produce the promise of eternal life for all who believe.


As contemplated his journey to the cross he knew he would both fulfill God's plan and be incredibly painful.

Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. ²⁸Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ²⁹The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” ³⁰Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. ³¹Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. ³²And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ³³He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. ³⁴The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” ³⁵Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. ³⁶While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:27-36

The time had come for Jesus to go to the cross. He understood everything he had done had led to this point. The healings brought the crowds, the teaching opened minds and hearts, and his followers would share the good news. Jesus is the light of the world and came to eradicate all darkness. He did this for you, me, and all of humanity. He gave his life so we might live. Let us walk as children of the light.


Prayer: Lord, let me walk in your light and see the promise of your Son. Prepare my heart to receive your love in this most Holy Week, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Parable of the Talents

For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; ¹⁵to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. ¹⁶The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. ¹⁷In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. ¹⁸But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. ¹⁹After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. ²⁰Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ ²¹His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ ²²And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ ²³His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ ²⁴Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; ²⁵so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ ²⁶But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? ²⁷Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. ²⁸So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. ²⁹For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. ³⁰As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 25:14-30

(The parables of Jesus are open to multiple interpretations, and the parable of the talents is no exception. A key interpretative choice for the reader is to decide who the "king" or "master" is in each parable. If we decide as a reader that the most powerful figure in the story is God, then different avenues of understanding open up than would if God is not the most powerful person. For this reflection, I will follow the tradition interpretation of God as the master in this story. Follow the link below for an alternative interpretation.)


Each of has been given gifts or talents by God, but not in the same areas or in equal proportions. For example, our genetics largely determine our physical attributes. I may wish to be taller but no matter what I do I cannot change my height. Similarly, I can work hard to increase my endurance or speed as a runner but I will never be as fast as Usain Bolt no matter what I do. This parable suggests we will be judged by God not for what we do, but what we do with what we have been given. For those who have been given more, more will be expected. But each of us is called to use whatever we have been given for God's purposes in the world.


When the master leaves for his journey he entrusts each of his servants with a different number of talents (a large sum of money). He doles out the talents according to their ability. The servant who received five talents had either more gifts or had previously demonstrated more ability in the past. The other servants received fewer talents but were each expected to use what they had been given wisely. When the master returned, the first two servants had doubled the master's investment. This pleased the master, and they were each given more responsibility. The last servant hid his one talent out of fear of the master. He was reprimanded and punished by being thrown into the outer darkness.


There are many different ways this parable could be interpreted. It could suggest God's encouragement to use our gifts in the world rather than inaction due to a lack of self-confidence. Or it could suggest sharing God's word and being willing to risk rejection by others. Some might also find justification for bold entrepreneurial business tactics that invest in high-risk, high-reward opportunities.


Whatever the specific application, the parable suggest using what we have been given for God's work in the world. For those given the talent to sing, sing for God's glory. For those who can speak or write, do so to lift up God's word. For those skilled at making things, build things to help others. For those with the gift of compassion, share you love with others. We all have been given gifts by God for specific reasons. We must decide how to use our gifts, but when we use them for God's purposes we participate in God's kingdom work. I can think of no better use.


Prayer: Thank you Lord for creating me the way I am and giving me the gifts I have. Let your spirit inspire me to share my gifts for your purposes, in Jesus' name, AMEN.


For another interpretation of this parable check out: Economic Oppression and the Seductive Lure of Debt

It's How You Use It

Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? ⁴⁶Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. ⁴⁷Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. ⁴⁸But if that wicked slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ ⁴⁹and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, ⁵⁰the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. ⁵¹He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:45-51

This passage comes from the end of the gospel of Matthew among a series of apocalyptic and end-times parables and sayings. At this level, Jesus' words remind us all that we must be prepared for the second coming and because we will never when this will happen, we must live our lives faithfully. This kind of discourse was extremely popular in Jesus' day as many believed the end of the world was imminent. But, Jesus' words have meaning beyond warning us of the end, they also speak powerfully to our calling to be stewards of God's creation,


A steward is a caretaker of property who has been entrusted by the owner. This parable depicts slaves, or stewards, who are put in charge of the master's household while the master is away. The slaves have a choice: do want they would normally do if the master were home, or do whatever they want. Jesus says: "blessed is that slave whom his master finds at work when he arrives." While certainly we would all seek to avoid being cut into pieces and the weeping and gnashing of teeth, there are deeper and more rewarding reasons to work while the master is away.


God has entrusted us with all of creation. God has given each of us gifts, talents, and passions. How we use these gifts is our choice. We can use them for our selfish purposes or squander them. We are free to do this. Or we can use what we have been given to further God's work in the world. When we understand ourselves to be stewards of our gifts, rather than owners, we will be compelled to use them for God's work.


When we see ourselves as stewards, we understand we have a larger purpose in God's work in the world. We find our meaning and purpose by activating our gifts and talents for human need. This is good stewardship. This is why we were created. Not to avoid punishment, but to participate in the gracious, merciful and beautiful work of God in the world. We were made for this and God is counting on us. The choice is yours.


Prayer: Lord, help me to use the gifts you have given me for your work in the world. Help me move beyond my own selfish desires and self-imposed limitations and see my role in your redeeming work in the world. Use me Lord as your instrument of love, grace, and mercy in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Paying Taxes

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. ¹⁶So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. ¹⁷Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” ¹⁸But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? ¹⁹Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. ²⁰Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” ²¹They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” ²²When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

One of Jesus' favorite defensive tactics against his religious opponents was to answer questions with questions. In this story, he knows the Pharisees are trying to trick him and he does not fall for it. They are trying to get him to say something either blasphemous or treasonous. If he only speaks about paying taxes to the emperor and does not acknowledge God, then the Pharisees could claim he doesn't acknowledge God as creator of all things. On the other hand, if he gives all credit to God and doesn't encourage people to give to the emperor it would cause a revolt and he would run afoul with the powerful Roman army. Needless to say, Jesus outwits the Pharisees and other opponents at every turn.


The deeper truth is that all things are from God. Yes, we find ourselves under the rule and authority of human governments and leaders, but ultimately God is in charge. Jesus is not advocating revolt or not paying taxes, but he does remind us all that the final authority on all of these matters is God.


In Jesus' day, the tax system implemented and enforced by the Romans was corrupt and exploitative. Tax collectors took bribes and graft at the expense of people's property and homes. This left many wondering whether paying taxes was justifiable for those seeking to follow God. While, the revolutionaries would have wished a more forceful response from Jesus, his response acknowledges the precarious position of the Jewish people in his day as well as the ultimate authority of God. There may be times to protest unjust laws and oppressive governments when they are conflict with faithfully following God, but in this case Jesus mission to the cross superseded it. In our time, we acknowledge the authority of the state in our lives, but seek to live by the higher authority of God.


Prayer: Lord, help me to live in the tension of earthly and divine authority. Let me know the difference between following the law and following God's law, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Possessed by Possessions

Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; ¹⁹Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” ²¹Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” ²²When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:16-22

The story of the rich young man exemplifies the difficulty of following Jesus and the gravitational pull of wealth and possessions. This story is situated toward the end of Matthew's gospel, after he had developed a large following and well earned reputation as a healer, teacher, and prophet. The young man comes to Jesus seeking guidance for a righteous life. His dialogue with Jesus reveals that he has strived to keep all the commandments. He asks: "what do I lack?" Jesus then tells him if he wishes to be "perfect" to go sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor. This was too high a burden for the man and he "went away grieving." He went from Jesus upset because he knew he was not righteous and he would have to give up everything to become righteous.


Jesus' question to the young man bears further examination. Jesus asks: "If you wish to be perfect..." The word "perfect" here does not suggest a life without moral blemish, rather a complete and whole life; a healthy life, filled with God's presence. He cannot be whole with God with an abundance of possessions and wealth. The issue for the young man is the power and control his possessions have over him. His possessions possess him, and unless he can exorcise himself from their possession, he cannot be right with God. Anything apart from God can have the power to possess us. This is the nature of idolatry. For the young man, it was his possessions and wealth and the lifestyle they afforded which led him away from God. Others who have an abundance may not face the same call from God, but many people do. Money and things get elevated to a special status and have the spiritual capacity to capture our attention and spirit.


After the young man left, Jesus and his disciples engaged in further dialogue about the power of wealth and possessions.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁵When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁶But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:23-26

Jesus plainly states the difficulty for wealthy people to be righteous before God. Wealth here is most likely defined as having slightly more than the basics to live, rather than a life of luxury. To this assessment, the disciples ask: "then who can be saved?" This is the question the rich young man did not understand. Jesus tells the disciples, and us, that for humans it is impossible but with God all things are possible. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot fulfill the law on our own or be righteous. The rich young man asks Jesus: "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" His focus is completely on himself rather than God. It is only God who can make us righteous. On our own we will hoard our possessions and wealth and relegate God to an afterthought. But, by the grace of God and the power of Spirit, we have been made righteous and can live with and for God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to put you first in my life and not be possessed by wealth or possessions. Let me always remember the bounty you provide each day, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Where Your Heart Is

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ²²The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; ²³but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! ²⁴No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:19-24

We live in a consumer society that defines success, directly or indirectly, based on the amount of possessions or wealth a person has. This is mindset is instilled in us at a very young age and is reinforced through extremely effective advertising and marketing. The siren call of materialism sucks us in before we are even aware of it, and without a lifestyle of active resistance, we will find ourselves living an empty and idolatrous life. The problem of materialism is there is never enough to satisfy our appetites. There will never be a time when a person can be content or at peace. Instead, we race after the newest and best thing, mortgaging our financial futures for fleeting pleasure and losing our soul in the process.


Materialism is not new to the human condition. Jesus knew how people struggled to find peace, contentment, and spiritual purpose. His prescription is strong medicine for the sickness of affluenza: generosity. Jesus instructs us that we cannot serve God and wealth. We have to decide because both will compete for first place in our lives. The only way to move beyond our materialistic appetites is through behavior modification.


We cannot think our way to change we must act our way to change. Jesus says: "where your treasure is, your heart will be also." He doesn't say put your treasure where your heart is, but the opposite. Wherever we invest our wealth will get our heart. This is a natural connection. If all of my money is in the stock market, I will monitor it very closely. By contrast, if I invest in a local charity or service organization, I will be more likely to volunteer or serve. The antidote to the idolatry of materialism and greed is generosity. We cannot wait for our hearts to decide to be generous however, we must give first. Becoming generous through giving will change our hearts and change our lives. This is the only cure and Jesus, the great physician, knows our hearts and what we need to become whole. Let us give generously and allow God to change our hearts!


Prayer: Lord, give me the courage and strength to be generous with all you have given me. Change my heart and allow me to keep my focus on your purposes in the world, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

An Intimate Meal

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ²There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. ³Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. ⁴But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ⁵“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” ⁶(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.) ⁷Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. ⁸You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” ⁹When 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. ¹⁰So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, ¹¹since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. John 12:1-11

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, they were both in grave danger. Jesus was recognized by many as the Messiah God had promised. People were believing and trusting. The Jewish religious leaders were threatened by Jesus and had made the decision to destroy him. Lazarus was a problem too, for as long as he was alive there was indisputable evidence of Jesus' ministry. So Lazarus must be destroyed as well.


Amidst this backdrop, we find Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha enjoying their last meal together. The meal celebrated Lazarus being raised from the dead and Jesus as the Messiah. This was a jubilant occasion shared between friends who loved one another. It was also known by Mary that is was the last chance to say goodbye to Jesus. As they gathered around the table, she took expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. This was an act of service and love. It also acknowledged Jesus' journey to the cross. She was anointed him in preparation of his burial. In ancient Israel, dead bodies were anointed with spices and ointment to cover up the smell. Mary anoints Jesus in advance because she understands what God is up to. She understands Jesus must travel to the cross to achieve God's plan. And just as Lazarus was raised from the dead, so will Jesus be raised.


As theologically important as this moment is, I am more deeply struck by the tenderness shared between Jesus and Mary. Yes, Jesus dies for our sins and by defeating death and the grave opens up for all people the promise of eternal life. This is the essence of the gospel and cannot be overstated. But in this story it is the intimacy and closeness between them all (except for Judas) that is striking. Mary doesn't just accept Jesus as her Messiah and Savior, she loves him. She cares for Jesus and seeks to serve him. Her outpouring of love is directly related to her gratefulness. She knows what God is doing and the only fitting response is love. So it should be we us as well. God has given us grace, mercy, and love through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Yes, we should have faith and believe, but God wants more than our intellectual assent to theological propositions. God wants our heart and our love. May we love God with all our heart, mind, and spirit!


Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with love for you. Help me to believe and trust your promises are fore me and are real. Help me to live my life for you and share your love in the world, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Political Calculations

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. ⁴⁶But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. ⁴⁷So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. ⁴⁸If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.” ⁴⁹But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ⁵⁰You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed. He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, ⁵²and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God. ⁵³So from that day on they planned to put him to death.” John 11:45-53

The raising of Lazarus was definitive proof that Jesus was the Messiah. All those who witnessed Lazarus, dead four days, coming out of the tomb believed in Jesus because of it. This word spread fast, as one might expect, and found the ears of the Pharisees and other religious leaders. This would be a pivotal moment for the Jewish leadership. Would they, finally, give credence to the belief that Jesus was the Messiah? Or would they obstinately insist Jesus was a fraud who needed to be destroyed?


The text suggests that for a moment they considered their options. If they allowed Jesus to go forward with his ministry, then all the people would believe in him and it would upset the political peace with the Romans. This could possibly lead to a revolt and the Romans destroying the Temple and all of Jerusalem (which happened later in 69 BCE). Or they could destroy Jesus and keep the peace with Rome. This became the preferred option. If the Jewish leaders were right, they could save Jerusalem and the Temple. If they were wrong, they would be responsible for handing over the Messiah God has promised and sent for them. In the end, they made a decision based on political expediency rather than principled faith.


It is tempting to judge the Jewish leaders harshly for their political calculations and lack of faith. Yet, when faced with difficult decisions and choices between competing needs, we often follow the same path. It is much more tempting to choose the easy path even when we know it is wrong. The religious leaders knew that acknowledging Jesus as Messiah would cause pain. It would mean a repudiation of their own leadership positions and a potential crackdown by the Roman army. If they chose to persecute Jesus they could keep their lifestyle and maintain the status quo. They will possibly lose either way, but they could be right and keep their privilege. How many would choose differently?


How often do we face such choices? Do we take the risk of leaving a comfortable job we hate to follow the nudge of God to an unknown venture? Do we speak out against injustice when it might risk the loss of friendships? Do we choose the lesser or two evils or find a different path? Life is full of choices and our character is formed by the choices we make over time. The path of faith puts love of God and love of neighbor at the center of our choices. We may make choices we regret or miscalculations, but if God is at the center of our discernment we will make good choices more often than not. When we put ourselves and our own self-interest at the center of our decisions, we will cross the moral line over and over again. The choice is ours and ours alone. What will you choose?


Prayer: Lord, help me to make choices that are faithful and God pleasing. Help me discern the difficult decisions with the power of your Spirit, in Jesus' name, AMEN.