LUKE 8: THE GOD WHO SEES THE OUTCASTS

 

Scripture

Luke 8:1b-3 (ESV) – “He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; 3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.”

Luke 8:26-29 (ESV) – “Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time, he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.

Luke 8:43-48 (ESV) – “A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. 44 Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” 47 When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. 48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Observation

Luke was a Gentile (Greek) Christian and a doctor and the only author of the New Testament that was non-Jewish. He is writing the gospel from a different perspective, especially from the viewpoint of non-Jewish religion where “outsiders” and women were marginalised or looked down upon.

Throughout the gospels Jesus made a point of breaking the human and cultural traditions that were harmful so some people by reaching out to the marginalised groups – the lepers, the tax collectors, demon-possessed, women, and roman soldiers, amongst other. In the events written down in Luke chapter 8 it is no different.

Jesus was a rabbi and took the women (Mary of Magdalene) to travel with him and the disciples. He saw them, He valued them, He delivered them from evil. Out of love and appreciation they followed Jesus, learned from His teachings and took care of Him and the disciples.

The demon possessed man who was naked and lived alone among the tombs did not deter Jesus, in fact we read that Jesus already commanded the evil spirits in the man to go, even before the man saw Jesus. Further down in the passage we read that the man was sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and sane. Not only did Jesus deliver the man, but He also clothed and took him under His wing, allowing the man to sit at His feet.

The woman with the issue of blood was cast out of society, because she was perceived unclean, yet when she touched the garment of Jesus out of desperation, he did not despise her. She was instantly healed and He showed compassion on her and admired her faith in Him. And He blessed her to GO IN PEACE (untroubled, undisturbed).

Application

I also once felt like a marginalised cast-out, but when I truly met Jesus and entered into a relationship with Him, He accepted me, healed my wounds and brokenness. He wants to do the same for each and every one of you.

Jesus will not despise or reject any person who comes to Him. In John 6:37 Jesus said:  ³⁷ All that My Father gives Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, never reject anyone who follows Me].

Cling to this promise today and come to the One who deeply loves you and cares for you.

Prayer

Abba Father, Lord Almighty thank you that You care for each one of us deeply, that we matter to you, that our lives matter to you. Help us to surrender fully into your everlasting love and care, so that we might live a life fully surrendered in obedience to Your will. Amen.

 

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PAS HESMA - JCRC SA

LUKE 3: Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit So We Can Bear Fruit In Keeping With Repentance.

 

Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit So We Can Bear Fruit In Keeping With Repentance.

Scripture: Luke 3:7-9
7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, c“You brood of dvipers! Who warned you to flee from ethe wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits fin keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, g‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from hthese stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. iEvery tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

These verses emphasized the necessity of genuine repentance, which is not merely a change of mind but a transformation that results in observable actions. In the biblical context, “fruit" often symbolizes the visible evidence of one's inner spiritual state (Matthew 7:16-20).

16 You will recognize them lby their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, mevery healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 nEvery tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
The call to produce fruit aligns with the teachings of the prophets, who urged Israel to demonstrate their faith through righteous living Isaiah 1:16–17

16 jWash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
kcease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; lseek justice, correct oppression; mbring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause

The concept of repentance is central to the message of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to turn from their sins (Matthew 3:1-2)

John told his hearers an important truth: “You must truly repent of your sins.” Your repentance is absolutely necessary for your salvation. “Unless you repent, you will all . . . perish”
Lk 13:3-5
3 No, I tell you; but unless you rrepent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Othose eighteen on whom the tower in sSiloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you rrepent, you will all likewise perish.”
(Acts 2:38).
37 Now when mthey heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, nwhat shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, o“Repent and pbe baptized every one of you qin the name of Jesus Christ rfor the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive sthe gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 3:19).
Fruit is not the root of salvation but its inevitable product
Ephesians 2:8-10.
8 For zby grace you have been saved athrough faith. And this is bnot your own doing; cit is the gift of God, 9 dnot a result of works, eso that no one may boast. 10 For fwe are his workmanship, gcreated in Christ Jesus hfor good works, iwhich God prepared beforehand, jthat we should walk in them.


Application:
John the Baptist emerges as a voice crying out in the wilderness, urging people to prepare the way for the Lord. His message is clear: repentance is essential. "Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance". This call to repentance is a reminder that true change begins in the heart and is evidenced by our actions. Baptism is a significant theme in Luke 3, symbolizing purification and a new beginning. John baptized with water, but the spoke of the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This act of baptism is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to a transformed life. It serves as a reminder of the cleansing power of God's grace and the new life we have in Chris John proclaims that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the Spirit's role in empowering believers.

It emphasizes the importance of surrendering our life to his Holy spirit for guidance, strength, and the ability to live out our faith helps us to examine our lives and align them with God's will in humility reminding us that our purpose is to serve and glorify God, not ourselves. Embracing humility allows us to be vessels for God's work, pointing others to Christ
Salvation is not merely to pray a prayer but to embrace a life-altering repentance evidenced by bearing fruit.

• Prayer:
our Father in heaven, I thank you for your love mercy and grace, you’re the Lord of my life, I come before you today and ask for the baptism of your Holy spirit in me to help me turn away from every sin and hypocrisy. Let my repentance be genuine, not just in words but in the transformation of my heart and action, Father, teach me to bear good fruit in keeping with repentance, your fruit of love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control Lord, keep me sensitive to Your warnings and corrections. Help me not to take Your grace for granted but to live ready for Your coming. Father God gives me a heart that shares with those in need and treats others with fairness, reflecting Your justice and compassion. Lord, deliver me from spiritual laziness. Stir in me a hunger to grow daily in righteousness and to live a life that pleases You.in Jesus Holy name I pray.
Amen

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PASTORA KATHY - JCRC FIJI

Lucas 2: Jesús el cumplimiento del plan perfecto de Dios

 

Jesús el cumplimiento del plan perfecto de Dios

Lucas 2: 8-20

Los ángeles y los pastores

⁸ Había pastores en la misma región, que velaban y guardaban las vigilias de la noche sobre su rebaño. ⁹ Y he aquí, se les presentó un ángel del Señor, y la gloria del Señor los rodeó de resplandor; y tuvieron gran temor. ¹⁰ Pero el ángel les dijo: No temáis; porque he aquí os doy nuevas de gran gozo, que será para todo el pueblo: ¹¹ que os ha nacido hoy, en la ciudad de David, un Salvador, que es CRISTO el Señor. ¹² Esto os servirá de señal: Hallaréis al niño envuelto en pañales, acostado en un pesebre. ¹³ Y repentinamente apareció con el ángel una multitud de las huestes celestiales, que alababan a Dios, y decían:

¹⁴ ¡Gloria a Dios en las alturas,

Y en la tierra paz, buena voluntad para con los hombres!

¹⁵ Sucedió que cuando los ángeles se fueron de ellos al cielo, los pastores se dijeron unos a otros: Pasemos, pues, hasta Belén, y veamos esto que ha sucedido, y que el Señor nos ha manifestado. ¹⁶ Vinieron, pues, apresuradamente, y hallaron a María y a José, y al niño acostado en el pesebre. ¹⁷ Y al verlo, dieron a conocer lo que se les había dicho acerca del niño. ¹⁸ Y todos los que oyeron, se maravillaron de lo que los pastores les decían. ¹⁹ Pero María guardaba todas estas cosas, meditándolas en su corazón. ²⁰ Y volvieron los pastores glorificando y alabando a Dios por todas las cosas que habían oído y visto, como se les había dicho.

 

Reflexión

Los pastores de Belén eran conocidos por cuidar los corderos del templo para el sacrificio. Ahora, ellos reciben el anuncio celestial del evangelio, donde se proclama el nacimiento del Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor. Vemos cómo corazones sencillos y humildes fueron escogidos para recibir las buenas nuevas de gran gozo para todos. Esto nos lleva a entender que Cristo vino a salvar al mundo, y era precisamente lo que necesitaba la humanidad: no más reyes, ni gobernantes, ni presidentes, sino Jesús, quien traería la verdadera paz.

En consecuencia, debemos unirnos a la alabanza por el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador: “¹⁴ ¡Gloria a Dios en las alturas, Y en la tierra paz, buena voluntad para con los hombres!”. Aquí vemos que los pastores no dudaron, sino que se apresuraron con una urgencia genuina para encontrar al niño envuelto en pañales y acostado en un pesebre; y al verlo, todos se maravillaron. Además, difundieron ampliamente lo que se les había dicho acerca del niño. Finalmente, los pastores regresaron glorificando y alabando a Dios.

Somos llamados a tener la misma actitud: recibir a nuestro Salvador en nuestras vidas sin dudar, y apresurarnos con urgencia a evangelizar para que todos reciban la promesa de la salvación:

Lucas 2:30-32

“ ³⁰ Porque han visto mis ojos tu salvación,

³¹ La cual has preparado en presencia de todos los pueblos;

³² Luz para revelación a los gentiles,

Y gloria de tu pueblo Israel.”

 

-          Catalina, Iglesia Latina

Luke 1: The Beginning

 

Luke 1: The Beginning

The narrative of a Gentile Doctor who, after spending time side by side with Apostle Paul, was convicted in his heart, to write an orderly account of things we have been fulfilled among us by God, so that every believer may know the exact truth of the history and doctrine of faith. (Luke 1:1-4, AMP)

 

1.   The Servant

In his divine wisdom, God eternal had already fixed the manner and time of the redemption of his people.

 

He chose servants even before they knew it, called them and set them apart. As the word of God said:

 

Ephesians 1:4 (KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

 

John the Baptist, who will prepare the way of the Lord, was prophesied 700 years before his birth and he was set apart even from conception.

 

Isaiah 40:3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

 

Luke 1:15 For he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

 

Luke 1:76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

 

In the same manner, Mary, the virgin, was prophesied about same time to carry a child of God.

 

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

Luke 1:35^a And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you

 

 

 

As we are called and set apart for the works of the Lord, we serve in selflessness as John the Baptist had lived his life solely to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins, in obedience and submission as Mary had declared, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord: let it be to me according to your word.”

 

2.   The Message

Our Purpose

Luke 1:74-75 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

o   Our lives are mirrors of the Holy and Righteous God that we serve.

o   We are not weary nor shaken for our anchor is the Lord, powerful and mighty. No weapon formed against his children will prosper.

o   We endure to the end as we wait for our Blessed Hope.

Our Directive

Luke 1:77-78 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.

Exactly as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20

o   And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

 

3.   The Saviour who is to come

Luke 1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

 

o   Is the King of kings and the Lord of lords

Rev. 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

 

o   Yet took the form of a servant, to be in every respect a man

Philippians 2:7 but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men

 

o   He came to serve and not to be served

John 13:14-15 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you should also do just as I have done to you.

 

 

REFLEXION:

Ø What is the purpose of my salvation?

Ø Is my redeemed life give glory to Jesus who came and saved me?

 

LET US PRAY:

        Almighty Father in heaven, we come before you Lord in thanksgiving for the freedom and newness of life that you gave by your selfless act on the cross. We give glory to your Holy Name, our God of love full of grace and mercy, who lives and reigns forever. Count us worthy Lord to enter into your Holy Presence everyday. We cleave unto you Lord, for everything we are is yours. May our daily walk pleases you oh Lord, the works of our hands blesses others and words from our lips are beautiful aromas to you.  Thank you Father for everything. Honor, praise and glory are yours alone, forever and forever. In Jesus mighty name, we lift this prayer unto you. Amen.

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PASTORA MALOU - JCRC AL BUSTAN

Mark 16: Christ is Risen: Do Not Be Alarmed!

 

Christ is Risen: Do Not Be Alarmed!

Early in the morning, the women went to the tomb. They were sad and afraid. They thought they would find Jesus’ body. But instead, they saw an angel.

6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. (Mark 16:6).

This is the best news in the world. Jesus is alive. The cross was not the end. The tomb is empty. God wants us to hear the same words today: Do not be alarmed.

 1. The Empty Tomb

The tomb was empty. This shows that death has no power over Jesus. As the Bible says:

54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The empty tomb means Jesus won.

The stone was rolled away not so Jesus could get out, but so we could look in. God wanted us to see that the grave is empty.

18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [a]Hades and of Death. (Revelation 1:18).

The empty tomb gives us hope today. It shows that hope is stronger than despair no problem or sickness is too hard for God. It shows that life is stronger than death. Jesus rose again, and death is not the end. It shows that faith is stronger than fear we do not need to be afraid, because Jesus is alive and gives us courage. The empty tomb is God’s way of saying, “Don’t give up. I am alive, and I am with you.”

2. The Angel’s Words

The angel said, “Do not be alarmed.” God knows we feel fear. But He gives us peace.

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Because Jesus is alive, we do not need to live in fear.

 Fear is real, but faith is stronger. The Bible says: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).

Today many of us feel afraid —afraid of sickness, losing a job, or the future. But the angel’s words remind us: Jesus is alive, so we do not need to panic. He gives peace even when the world is full of trouble. His resurrection shows that faith is stronger than fear. God says, “Do not be afraid. I am alive, and I am with you.”

  

3. The Call to Tell Others

The women were told to go and tell the disciples. The resurrection is good news to share.

 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15). We are called to share hope with others.

Sharing the good news brings joy. The Bible says: 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who [a]preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!”” (Romans 10:15). When we tell others, we spread hope and life.

Many of us today feel empty, lonely, or hopeless. But the resurrection is too good to keep quiet. When we share Jesus, we give others hope and we also feel joy ourselves. The Bible says we are all witnesses, which means every believer has a mission to share Jesus in daily life at home, at work, at school, and with friends. God says, “Do not keep this good news quiet. Share it, so others can have hope too.”

 The resurrection gives us hope, but it also gives us a warning. The angel said, ‘Do not be alarmed.’ This means we should stay away from the things that make our faith weak.

 

• Avoid doubt – Thomas doubted until he saw Jesus (John 20:27). Let us believe even when we cannot see.
• Avoid fear – The angel said, “Do not be alarmed.” Fear steals our faith.
• Avoid silence – The women were told to share. We must not keep the good news to ourselves.
• Avoid forgetting – Sometimes we forget the power of the resurrection in daily life. Let us remember that Jesus is alive every day.

 Mark 16 is not only about the past. It is about us today.

• The empty tomb means our failures are not the end. God can bring new life.
• The angel’s words mean our fears do not control us. God gives us courage.
• The call to tell others means our lives have purpose. We are saved to share His love.

The Bible says: 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies [a]through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11). This means the same power that raised Jesus is in us.

 Reflection:

• What tomb in your life feels heavy right now?
• How does Do not be alarmed speak to your heart today?
• Who can you share the hope of Jesus with this week?

 Let’s pray

Lord Jesus, thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You that You are alive forever. When we feel afraid, remind us of Your words Do not be alarmed. Help us to avoid doubt, fear, silence, and forgetting Your power. Give us courage to trust You, and joy to share Your good news with others. Fill our hearts with hope and peace because You are risen.

Amen.

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PASTORA MAY- JCRC STEUNG MEANCHEY

Mark 15: NO MORE BARRIER

 

NO MORE BARRIER

 SCRIPTURE

³⁸ The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  Mark 15:38

 When Jesus breathed His last, the veil was torn.

 The veil was torn from top to bottom, symbolizes:

 -          Removal of all things that block our access to God.

-          A permanent opening of God’s presence to us and was accessible to everyone.

-          Giving us direct relationship to the Father

 -Jesus opened up for us the way to the very heart of God.

-Come with a repentant and surrendered heart.

-He will come near you.

- Because there is NO MORE BARRIER.

 

 SYMBOL OF THE TEMPLE VEIL

-          thick and heavy fabric that separated the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the temple where God’s presence dwelled.  

-          Purpose is to separate the sinful people from the holy presence of God.

-          Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people.

 VEIL TORN IN TWO

-          Symbolizes removal of barrier between a holy God and humanity.

-          No longer would people need priests or sacrifices to access God’s presence.

-          Jesus sacrifice made it possible for believers to approach God directly.

  

The VEIL represents our sins, spiritual blindness and the heavy burden of trying to reach God.

 ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 2 Corinthians 3:16

-          When we genuinely repent and surrender to Jesus, the spiritual barrier (veil) is taken away.

 Jesus breaks down those barriers and He becomes both the lamb and High Priest having made the one and only needed blood to sacrifice for our sins and make us right with God. Now He is our advocate before God the Father declaring us as His sheep who know His voice because we believe in Him and obey His teachings.

 Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.

 LET US..

 o   COME TO HIM DIRECTLY

-          Come to Him not as stranger, but as a child. Come to Him with confidence as you are already being justified and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We can come to Him directly in prayer, worship, and daily life.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

 o   LIVE IN GRATITUDE AND FREEDOM

-          We are to live in gratitude and freedom, knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice has removed the barrier of sin. Because of His work on the cross, we are no longer separated from God but are welcomed into His presence as His children.

 o   SHARE GOOD NEWS TO OTHERS

-          We are partners in God’s work. The tearing of the curtain calls us to share the good news with others. The way to God is open, and Christians are called to invite others into that relationship, sahring the gospel to others.

  

Prayer,

 

Thank you Jesus because of what you did, there is nor more barrier between me and the Father. I no longer have to stand at a distance. I can now approach your grace with boldness, confidence and complete assurance. Thank you for inviting me into Your presence, not as a stranger, but as Your beloved child. In Jesus Name, I pray Amen.

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PASTORA PAULA – JCRC CAMBODIA

 

MARK 14: SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO THE LORD

 

³ And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,  as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. ⁴ There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? ⁵ For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ⁶ But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.  -Mark14:3-6

The Lord Jesus said that what the woman did for Him is something beautiful. In other bible translations, the word is something “good” which in Greek is “kalos” describing not only good but lovely, charming or winsome (naturally pleasing, engaging in a sweet, innocent, childlike way) 

What is that something beautiful that the woman did for Jesus?

³ ..a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.   - Mark14:3b

A simple act but when detailed it shows significant surrender, sacrifice and whole-hearted love and devotion to Jesus.

a)      It showed her great devotion to Jesus – She sacrificed/ gave up her alabaster flask of very costly oil

b)      Showed great importance and value to Jesus - She poured not just the customary anointing to guests with a dab of oil but the entire contents of an alabaster flask and used a very costly oil on the head of Jesus

c)      Showed focus and wholehearted love to Jesus – She just walked into the room where Jesus is not thinking of what others may think then used up a very costly oil. She just simply loved Jesus and did something beautiful for Him.

d)      Showed her understanding and belief on the words of Jesus about what will come to pass. – “⁸ She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.”  - She did not tried to talk Jesus out of His upcoming death like Peter but showed her surrender and devotion to Jesus.

e)      She did what she could for Jesus-  “⁸ She has done what she could” – Out of what she can, she did for Jesus.

f)       She did not look upon others opinion and criticism. What matters is having done a good thing to her Lord and Master. “⁴ Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” Romans 14:4

Out of everyone present in the place, the Lord see her true intentions and heart which greatly pleased Jesus that He said “Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

…the woman’s love for Christ break past obstacles of coming to the Lord (pride, criticism, persecution, thoughts of qualification, strength and sacrifice) and was even able to be acknowledge by the Lord as someone who has greatly pleased Him.

 

Isn’t it great to do something out of love? We simply do things wholeheartedly, focused, not counting the work but thinking all is worth it, not looking on others’ opinions, just doing what we can, abiding and believing – having an unconditional love. It is the same in the Lord when we truly love God, nothing matters because our hearts keeps saying “He is worth it”. And we simply do things naturally, pleasing, good, lovely and beautiful to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are our Master, Lord and Savior. May our relationship with you grow stronger as well as our love for You be even more deeper. May we do all things out of love, with joyfulness and sincerity. May our actions and service to You oh Lord be pleasing and beautiful in Your sight. May we develop a great understanding of You, and Your purposes and plans. May our lives give You honor and glory as we continue to abide and grow in the knowledge of You. In Your precious name we pray. Amen.

PAS MELODY - JCRC CAMBODIA