The Last Supper

Special meal times with family and friends are important events that leave indelible marks in the hearts of attendees. Depending on the occasion,  meal time could also be a moment to consider important things, appreciate some people and if possible make certain commitments for the coming days, weeks, months or even years. Personally,  I appreciate the opportunity to be part of Christmas or Easter meal time with family and friends. It is an opportunity to share the love of God with each other. The first ever Easter celebration began with a meal as well. Jesus, being aware that His time was near, planned a perfect family supper with His disciples. Obviously, that was not the first time Jesus had a meal with His disciples but this was quite significant because it was their last supper together before Jesus was arrested, trialed and subsequently crucified.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”‭ (Matthew 26:26-29)

Jesus had the plans for the supper all laid out. When His disciples asked for the plans for the Passover, Jesus replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ” (‭Matthew 26:18). At His words, the disciples went ahead and prepared the supper. Several significant events happened at the supper. Jesus washed the feets of His disciples, He predicted Judas betrayal, He instituted the Holy Communion and He also predicted Peter’s denial. Let’s focus on the Holy Communion and how it began. From Matthew’s account, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”‭ (Matthew 26:26-29).

At the meal, Jesus took the bread, He informed His disciples that the bread is His body. A few hours after the meal, Jesus was arrested and His body was afflicted with pain and agony. He was literally broken by extreme pain and suffering. Jesus knowing this beforehand alluded to the bread as His body that was about to be broken and wounded. According to history, Jesus’ body was badly affected by all the beatings from the Roman soldiers. His skin was disfigured beyond human likeness. Even His face was not spared as a crown of thorns was set upon His head. While on the cross, the soldiers pierced His sides until blood and water gushed out. Indeed, Jesus’ body was broken for us.

Also, Jesus referred to the cup they shared at the meal as His blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ blood was shared from the crown of His head to the sole of His feet. His head, face, body (front and back), side, feets, hands, and heart all bleed profusely because of all the suffering Jesus was made to go through. The blood of Jesus was so significant and important in the ultimate plan of God. It is by the blood of Jesus that we have forgiveness of sins. The blood was so powerful that as soon as it touched the ground, things began happening in the spiritual realm. The physical environment and the spiritual environment could not hold on to the blood. The earth shook, the temple was impacted as the curtains separating the holy of holies from the holy place were torn into two. In the spiritual realm, Jesus’ blood atoned for the sins of all humanity from Adam until the end of age. The sinless blood of Jesus wiped away the ordinances of sins against those who come to Him. Like a permanent cleanser, the blood did not leave any trace of our iniquities. Infact, those who have been chained by the power of sin and death in Hades were not left out. They heard the message of the gospel. ‭

Colossians 2:15 states that ‬Jesus having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. The Last Supper of Jesus was not just one of the meal times, it was an important occasion that revealed deep truths about the saving work of Jesus. It is important that we partake in this Holy Communion here on earth and also with Jesus in His Father’s kingdom. If there are any barriers that prevent you from participating in the Holy Communion, pray about it. If the barrier demands an action from you, like getting water baptized or moving away from a sinful lifestyle, be intentional about it. In this Holy week, be reminded of the power in partaking in the Holy Communion.

The Father, the Son and the world

I remember when our first child was born, my husband held the baby and looked at her face. He was so excited and at the same time awed by the fact that another human being has joined our home. This human being was no stranger but a portion of him and me. As my daughter grew up, she took up a striking resemblance to her father. Whenever people compliment my daughter for the way she looks like her father, I know deep down, my husband gets excited about it. Parent-child bond If well developed can result in the best friendships in the world. The child is loved, cared for and equipped by the parents to be a better person to society. Parental love is so deep and overwhelming that some parents find it hard to let go of their children when it is time for such children to relocate, go to school or even marry.  If we as humans know how to love our children and care for them so well, why wouldn’t our Father in heaven care for us in a more profound way?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)

God’s love extends beyond the territories of parental love. He loves us even when our parents leave or forsake us. He cares for us so much that He willingly gave us His very best. God the Father’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ was sent down on earth by the Father to rescue the world. God created the world, but the people in the world rejected Him through their actions. The price to pay to return to God was so huge that no human on earth was qualified to pay. For thousands of years, humanity tried every avenue possible to return to God the Father but all avenues were flawed. How can the world make it right with the Father? As the world continued to try different ways to return to the Father, God already had a plan. This plan was born out of love. John 3:16 summarizes this, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This profound love from the Father was expressed through the Son to the world.

The Father gave up His best to redeem the world. The fallen and brokenness of humanity demanded a sacrifice, blameless and worthy. The Father knew that only the Son could make atonement for the world. Therefore, before the Father laid the foundations of the world, He already foreshadowed this great sacrifice. In Revelation 13: 8, we are told, the Lamb who is a type referring to the Son was slain before the foundation of the world. Therefore, the blood shed on the cross of Calvary was the culmination of the Father’s love. This love is deep, this love is powerful and sacrificial. Instead of God admiring His only begotten Son like most father’s do, God had to take His face away from the Son so His own Son can pay the price the world was meant to pay. Now, Whoever believes in the Son has escaped the punishment meant for the world. Such a person will Not perish but have eternal life. The God-life is transferred to us through the Son. Hallelujah!

The suffering servant (Part 10): He will have a portion among the great

Whenever a group of people collaborate to do a project or to build a business, the proceeds are divided among the members of the group depending on the amount of one’s investment and also how they were involved in the overall success of the project. In the same way, when someone employs another person for a task, the job contract spells out what the person will receive for performing the tasks assigned to them. The employee might not have invested into the project but performing assigned tasks and responsibilities qualifies the employee to enjoy “portions” of the firm. In Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the bags of gold reminds us that it is important to become profitable even when employed by another person. To get a portion of the master’s possession, whatever is entrusted to you must yield profit. The unprofitable servant in Matthew 25 was thrown into the outer darkness where there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30).

Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], and He shall divide the spoil with the mighty, because He poured out His life unto death, and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (the rebellious).‭‭ (Isaiah 53:12 AMPC‬‬)

In the account of the suffering servant as recorded in Isaiah 53, we are told that the servant will have a portion among the great. This was after the servant had undergone all the pain, atrocities, insults and even death. Isaiah 53:12 state this: “Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], and He shall divide the spoil with the mighty, because He poured out His life unto death, and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (the rebellious).‭‭” (Isaiah 53:12 AMPC‬‬). The AMPC version explains further that the servant will have his portion with kings and rulers (the great) and he shall also divide the spoils with the mighty. This would be possible because the servant “poured out His life unto death and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (the rebellious).‭‭” The portion assigned to the servant was by merit of the sacrifice he did.

In the New Testament, Jesus quoted this verse when He was talking about Himself and the task ahead of Him. At the last supper with His disciples, Jesus poured His heart out to His disciples and informed them of what lies ahead of Him and them. In ‭‭Luke 22:37, Jesus said, “It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” Jesus knew that the suffering servant had to be numbered with transgressors (sinners, rebellious, wicked people etc.), yet He did not reject His task. Being in the image of God, He knew what He was about to face. None of the atrocities done to Him came as a surprise. He knew all men and nothing was hidden from Him. Yet, He boldly fulfilled His task without complaining and murmuring. He poured out His life unto death and in doing so, made intercession for transgressors.

Jesus had the power to refuse death, but He was humble and obedient even unto death. No wonder, He was assigned a portion with kings, rulers and the mighty. ‭‭Philippians 2:9-11 declares that, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The name Jesus is the name above all names because He has been exalted for fulfilling the task assigned to Him. In the same way, those who believe in Jesus and share in His suffering will also share in His glory (‭‭Romans 8:17).

The suffering servant (Part 5): He was led like a lamb to the slaughter

Have you ever been to an abattoir (Slaughterhouse)? What was your experience if you had been to an abattoir? The animals who are sent to the abattoir have no choice. They cannot complain about being turned to meat. They enter the abattoir alive and are returned as packaged or prepared meat. In other words, no cow or lamb can boldly tell the owner that it doesn’t want to be sent to the abattoir. However, we do not treat humans like that. Even the worst-case criminals are given the opportunity to defend themselves. Once again, we also know that in some nations, free and fair trials don’t exist so as soon as a person is declared guilty, their fate is like that of the lamb to the slaughter.

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.‭‭ (Isaiah 53:7)

As we continue to analyze the suffering servant in Isaiah’s Messianic prophecies, let’s consider verse 7 of Isaiah 53: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.‭‭” This verse paints an image of a helpless lamb being taken to the slaughterhouse. We also see the image of a sheep during shearing. Neither the lamb before its slaughter nor the sheep before its shearers complain, protest or argue with their owners. These two metaphors in Isaiah’s Messianic prophecies align with how Jesus was handled a few hours before He was crucified. The arrest of Jesus, the unfair trials before the Sanhedrin, before Pilate and Herod among the people who insulted Him, treated him with scorn and derision, flogged him, etc. all culminated in the way Jesus was wrongfully treated. In all these, like a lamb to the slaughter, Jesus did not protect. Like a sheep before its shearers, He didn’t open His mouth when they hurled insults on Him.

What did the Son of God do to deserve these unfair treatment? He did nothing! The life of Jesus was poured as the sacrificial offering required to atone the sins of all humanity and to restore the fallen man back to God. When Isaiah’s prophecy was given years ago, the people might  have wondered why this servant had to experience all these unfair treatment. Yet, when the religious leaders caused the arrest of Jesus, they thought they were defending their religion and saving Israel from a false prophet and a false teacher. They saw Jesus’ ministry as an indictment on their religious statuses and beliefs. They were defending Judaism, so they thought. However, in doing so, they became the accusers of their own Saviour. They plotted, orchestrated and killed the one who was sent to redeem them. But, in the perfect will of God, His Son, the suffering servant would be killed to atone for the sins of the world.

‭‭In Luke’s account, after Jesus was arrested, “the men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him.” (Luke 22:63-65).
Matthew recorded that before the Sanhedrin, it was agreed that Jesus is worthy of death. “Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” (‭‭Matthew 26:66-68)
Mark also adds that, “then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” (Mark 14:60-61).
“You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him. ‭‭(Mark 14:64-65)

Our redemption didn’t come on a platter. Jesus went through so much pain to rescue us from the clutches of sin, temptation and death. Don’t allow your actions to make null of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. The price has been paid and we have the opportunity to live right.

Greater Love

The history of Valentine’s Day celebration is shrouded in Christian (Catholic) heroism and a pagan festival of fertility. We cannot ignore the fact that the celebration which began as early as the middle ages has both societal and religious implications. The theme of the celebration has always centered around the celebration of romantic love (Eros). Valentine’s Day is one of the celebrations that has transcended culture and even religious boundaries. The implications of this is that different people try different things on that day to make those they love feel special. Long before the emergence of Valentine’s Day celebration, a man who influenced history had commanded his followers to demonstrate Agape love towards one another.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ‭‭(John‬ ‭15:12‬-13)

In His final messages to His disciples, Jesus stressed the need to love one another. He commanded His followers to love each other as He has loved them (‭‭John‬ ‭15:12‬). The kind of love Jesus wanted His followers to demonstrate towards one another is Agape. Jesus does not discredit the other dimensions of love, He rather makes known to the church that in the body of Christ, Agape is the sustaining love that is needed. Jesus explains that “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends ‭‭(John‬ ‭15:12‬-13). This greater love was clearly demonstrated by Jesus Himself when He willingly went to the cross and died for humanity. He could have chosen not to do it anyway. He had the power to refuse the shame and the pains of the cross, yet for the love He had for us, He took our place and died for us. Jesus did not return from the cross with sweet smelling roses, but with redemption and salvation.

As we spend quality and quantity time with the ones we love and appreciate this season, let us remember that someone loved us so much as to die for us. Should you celebrate Valentine’s Day alone, don’t feel depressed and sad because no one remembered to send you roses. Remember, not many married people will even receive roses and Valentine’s Day pomp. We have been loved with a greater love irrespective of whether we receive roses or cards or gifts. Don’t forget that you have been purchased by the love of God. The knowledge that someone loved you to the extent of laying down His love for you should be a daily reminder that you are loved all-year round. Be considerate to yourself, as you have been loved, extend Agape towards another. Be grateful,  be content and be ready to share God’s great love with others. Remember, you are so much loved!

He loved us even in our darkest place

The story of humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden is mostly told by pointing accusing fingers at Eve for falling for the devil’s trap. Definitely, all the participants in that story have a role to play: the woman, the man and the serpent all contributed to this great downfall. Our expectations for this sin was God’s harsh judgement to get rid of this sinful people. However, although God was displeased with the practical disobedience that led to mankind’s fall, He didn’t enter the Garden of Eden with a whip to discipline the orchestrators of this fall. Each one of the participants bore the consequences of their actions; the serpent, the woman and the man were all cursed and till date, we live with the consequences of this curse. However, even in my humanity’s darkest place, God still showed His love. The first significant discovery Adam and Eve made after their fall was that they found out that they were naked (Genesis 3:7). Instead of God driving them out just like that, He made provisions to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3: 21). God’s love provided clothing to cover their nakedness. An animal had to be sacrificed by God and its skin was used as the covering for this disobedient couple.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans‬ ‭5:8‬)

Thus, in the darkest place of humanity, God still showed love. This character of God transcends the Garden of Eden. There have been several instances that we have been shown mercy instead of judgement. God’s love for us transcends our sinfulness. Although He hates sin, God still loves the sinner so much that He has made a provision of propitiation for our sins. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭clearly spells this out: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The previous verse makes this even clearer, “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:7‬). We were not redeemed when we had a right standing with God. Our redemption came even when we deserved condemnation and punishment. That is God’s love.

When we ponder over this, it should bring us to a place of humility and surrender. Even in our human relationships, an undeserving lover is treated without love. It is considered “abnormal” when the person who is constantly showing love to another is constantly receiving evil as payment. Even the most loving of all humans have their limit of tolerance. Yet, God’s love is so limitless. While we still played and bathed in sin, He still loved us and sent His only begotten Son to die so the price for our sinfulness can be paid. What kind of love is this? We shouldn’t take God’s love for granted. He has freely loved and freely given us His best. When we keep rejecting and refusing Him, we will rather face His wrath. God loved you enough to pay the ultimate price for salvation even when you were undeserving. Don’t belittle this great sacrifice. Return His love with your total surrender to Him.

Jehovah-jireh: He shall provide the lamb

Unlike many other great Patriarchs in the Bible, Abraham had a special relationship with God. He was called a friend of God (James 2:23). Yet, in his life, Abraham faced different challenges including the difficulty in getting a child. Several years after Abraham obeyed God and relocated to a new land, his wife still remained childless. After Abraham had listened to his wife and gone into their Egyptian slave to have a son with her, God still reminded them that his wife Sarah will have a son in her old age. True to God’s word, Sarah had a child when it was biologically impossible. This miracle child, named Isaac brought joy unto the family and for Sarah, Isaac wiped away her tears caused by her inability to bear a child. Just before long, after Abraham’s first son with the Egyptian slave had been expelled, God made a ridiculous request to test Abraham’s faith.

In Genesis‬ 22:2‬, we read that God told Abraham this: “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” This was indeed a big test and Abraham obeyed. Without delay, Abraham got up early the next morning and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. ‭( see Genesis‬ ‭22:3‬). What would have been going through Abraham’s mind as he made the three-day journey to Mount Moriah? It would have been a tough decision and possibly Sarah wouldn’t have been notified of the details of the sacrifice. Isaac himself had no idea that he was the sacrifice. When Abraham saw the place in the distance, he kept his servants behind and he and Isaac continued the journey. “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22:6‭-‬7‬).

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.‭‭ (Genesis‬ ‭22:8‬)

This was a much needed question for the innocent Isaac. How can there be a sacrifice without a lamb? Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22:8‬). No wonder the place became known as Jehovah-jireh, “The Lord will provide.” Did Abraham make this comment in faith? Or was he trying to avoid telling Isaac that, “You are the sacrifice!” Whatever be the case, Isaac believed his father and when they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22:9‬). I can imagine the aged Abraham with tears in his eyes as he bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar. Isaac probably thought that it was over for him. The poor boy would have cried his eyes out. “Why has God not provided the lamb yet?” Isaac would have thought. “Was I the lamb?” Isaac would have whispered to his dad.

However, that wasn’t the end of the story. God indeed provided a lamb for the sacrifice. The selflessness of Abraham to let go of what really matters to him was acknowledged by God. After God had provided a lamb in place of Isaac, “The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”‭‭ (Genesis‬ ‭22:15‭-‬18‬).

As we ponder over this account, let us consider all the time we had lost hope and yet God came through miraculously and provided for us what we needed. We might not have to lay our physical Isaac on the altar, but there are times we will have to be willing to put all our achievements aside and take up the cross. Our time, money, qualifications, possessions among many things could be the Isaac we would have to lay on the altar. Most times, we find it difficult to let go of what we hold so dearly on the altar. However, until Abraham laid Isaac on the altar, the lamb for the sacrifice was not seen. Go the extra mile and serve God with everything you have. He, on His part, will always provide the lamb for the sacrifice.

The first sacrifice: God’s provision

Since the beginning of the world, God has always provided for humanity what is needed. The first residents on earth were placed in the Garden of Eden which provided all that they needed. Adam and Eve lacked nothing because God ensured that they had everything they needed. The Garden of Eden was no ordinary place. It was planted specifically by God Himself to ensure that Adam and Eve were well catered for. Besides the provision of food and shelter, Adam and Eve were also clothed with the glory of God. The glory was so radiant that although Adam and his wife were both naked, they felt no shame (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:25‬). The were covered in God’s glory, were created in the image and likeness of God and they were given dominion to rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground (Genesis‬ ‭1:26‬).

The Garden of Eden was peaceful and humanity enjoyed all the provision of God even as they worked as custodians of their beautiful place. However, this peace did not stay for long. Before long, the devil deceived Adam and Eve and the couple fell for the deception. The consequences of their disobedience to God was their fall from the position God had granted them. The major consequence of the fall was a broken relationship from God, humanity experienced a spiritual death. Yet, more profound and visible to Adam and Eve was that they suddenly saw that they were naked. Right after eating the fruit God commanded them not to eat, the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:7‬). How were they naked and did not know? The glory of God that covered them was taken away after the fall and humanity was exposed to the ills and evils of the world. Adam and Eve’s attempt to cover this nakedness that brought them shame was to sew fig leaves together to make coverings for themselves.

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:21‬)

God hates sin and surely everyone involved in this act of disobedience received their punishment. The man, the woman and the serpent were all cursed (Genesis 3:14-19). You would have expected that God would just drive Adam and Eve out of Eden without providing them with proper covering for their nakedness. However, God still loved Adam and Eve to watch them roam without garments. The first sacrifice was made, and out of that, the Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:21‬). God’s mercy led to Him sacrificing an innocent animal so that the skin of the animal could be used for garments. This act should be a reminder of how far God can go to ensure that we are well covered. God’s mercy and grace overshadowed His indignation against the disobedience of Adam and Eve. He still went ahead and clothed them.

This is a reminder that God provided even when humanity was not in good standing. This is not an encouragement to disobey God but a reminder for us to draw closer to Him even in our lowest points. Throughout the history of humanity God has in diverse areas provided food, shelter, clothing, comfort, encouragement, among many other needs of humanity. As we delve into the subject of God’s provision in the next few days, let’s be reminded once again, that God’s grace and mercy are not license for lawless behaviour. Every act of disobedience will definitely be punished by God. However, we shouldn’t miss the point, He is still Jehovah-jireh: the Lord God shall provide (Genesis‬ ‭22:14‬).

What can you pour for Him?

In 2008, as a first year University student, my roommate gave me a very expensive perfume. Her mother was a business owner who sold items she imported from Dubai. I must confess, that was the first time I had used such an expensive and good smelling perfume. The perfume was in a very little jar and my friend expected it to finish in about a month. I used it throughout my first year. I only used it for church services and other important events. Imagine if I had to pour all that perfume on another person. At that time, I was very sure that even if my friend told me to break the bottle and receive a new one, I wouldn’t have agreed. When we get important and expensive things, we are generally committed to holding on to it with all diligence. Our natural inclination is to guard our valuables with all diligence. Sometimes, we become over protective that even the Lord is not excused when it comes to things we hold so dear.

a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭26:7‬)

Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, offered an expensive gift to the Lord. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26:6‭-‬7‬ mentions that “While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. ‭‭Mark’s account (Mark 14:3‬) mentions that  “a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” The cost of this perfume was more than the whole year’s wage: “Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:4‭-‬5‬). Jesus’ response was this:  “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”‭‭ (Mark‬ ‭14:6‭-‬9‬). What lessons can we glean from Mary’s sacrifice?

Love the Lord your God with your whole being: Mary demonstrated a profound love for the Lord that extended beyond the value of a year’s wages. She didn’t care about the loss of breaking the perfume on Jesus. In Mark‬ 12:30‬, when Jesus was asked the most important commandment, this was His reply: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Our love for the Lord should be multidimensional. We should love Him even with our resources, our time, our strength and everything.  

Love is sacrificial: In pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus, Mary sacrificed something so dear to her. This could be all that she possessed.  It could have been her most valuable possession. Yet Mary sacrificed it for the love of the Lord. Infact, God the Father also demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans‬ ‭5:8‬). Love gives unconditionally. 

Don’t allow critics to hold you down: The decision to let go of something so dear will always come with criticism. Mary’s action met criticism not from outside but within. Those who encountered this woman’s deep outpouring of love condemned her action. 

Mark’s account reports that “Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:4‭-‬5‬).

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26:8‭-‬9‬ mentions that‬‬ “When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:39‬ ‭states that “When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12:4‭-‬6‬ ‭mentions that “But one of his 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.

All the four gospels clearly indicated a criticism of Mary’s action.

Raise a monument: Mary’s act was not just an ordinary event. This incident was recorded by all the gospel writers as a significant event. Although the other people criticized Mary, Jesus saw this action as His pre-burial anointing. Jesus’ reply to the critics was this: “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 ‭12:7‭-‬8‬). In anointing Jesus, Mary touched an important aspect of Jesus’ purpose on earth: to die for sinners. Her gesture of love became a monumental task. Jesus said, Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26:13‬).

Mary performed an act of love and ended up in the Bible as the one who anointed God’s Messiah for His sacrificial work on the cross. You might not have an expensive perfume to pour, yet you can genuinely demonstrate deep love and reverence for the Lord through your service and worship. Pour unto Him a fragrance of love and watch that produce a ripple effect. 

Jephthah’s daughter: A sacrifice or a foolish vow?

One person in the Bible who made a vow that later got him into trouble is Jephthah. Who is Jephthah? He was a Gileadite,  a mighty warrior and His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute (Judges 11:1). Jephthah’s father had other sons and these “legitimate” sons drove Jephthah away. They told him this: “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family,” they said, “because you are the son of another woman.” (Judges 11:2). Jephthah might have had a difficult time and although he managed to get a band of scoundrels following him, Jephthah was still an outcast. Jephthah had just one child, a daughter. “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.” (Judges 10:6-‬8).

whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter. (Judges 11:31, 34)

Jephthah was called upon by the leaders of Israel to lead them to war. Jephthah reminded the elders of how he was treated by his brothers. “The elders of Gilead said to him, “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now; come with us to fight the Ammonites, and you will be head over all of us who live in Gilead” (Judges 11:8). Before Jephthah went to fight the Ammonites, he made this vow: “whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering” (Judges 11:31). Obviously, God didn’t ask him to make any vow in order to secure victory. Jephthah was not expecting a non-human to come out and welcome him. He knew that such a vow would obviously demand a human sacrifice. Did Jephthah miss Torah classes? Did he forget God’s warning against human sacrifices? In Leviticus 20:1-5; “The Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molek is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him. I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people; for by sacrificing his children to Molek, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned my holy name. If the members of the community close their eyes when that man sacrifices one of his children to Molek and if they fail to put him to death, I myself will set my face against him and his family and will cut them off from their people together with all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molek.” Jephthah’s argument would be that the sacrifice was to be made to God, but the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) shows that God does not delight in human sacrifices. 

The victim of Jephthah’s vow was his only child. Beside her, Jephthah had no other children. She would have been loved, cherished, adored and well protected. She might have had plans for her future. She was still a virgin and obviously loved the Lord. Miss Jephthah was obviously rooting for her father to defeat the Ammonites. She might have prayed, fasted and wished to welcome her father back with joy. Jephthah’s daughter might have been full of joy when she heard of how her father led the armies of Israel to defeat the Ammonites. Her prayers were answered and she was of so much joy and couldn’t wait to welcome her father. She had no clue that her father had made a careless vow, and although God had not bound him to the vow, he was determined to fulfill his vow. “When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter.” (Judges 11:34). Jephthah was shattered, “when he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh no, my daughter! You have brought me down and I am devastated. I have made a vow to the Lord that I cannot break.” (Judges 11:35). “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the Lord. Do to me just as you promised, now that the Lord has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites. But grant me this one request,” she said. “Give me two months to roam the hills and weep with my friends, because I will never marry.” (Judges 11:36-37). Her request was granted and “after the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she was a virgin” (Judges 11:39).

Jephthah’s daughter was a victim of an unnecessary sacrifice. God had warned the people against human sacrifices and Jephthah’s act shows his lack of knowledge or his rebellion. Most importantly, before you make any vow, consider the consequences of the vow. How will your vow affect you and the people around you? Don’t promise what you cannot give. Don’t say more than you are allowed too. Be careful with your words and don’t let any careless vow lead you or the people around you into trouble.