February 17, 1999

EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Knowing God prepares people
for rough times
___ Mark 14:3-9,27-28,32-36
___By Dillard Wilbanks
___Travis Avenue Baptist Church, Fort Worth
___Pressure is a very real part of everyday life. The pressures Jesus faced as the crucifixion drew near were immense. They included the whole gamut of physical pain and mental anguish. Yet, there was nothing for which he was not prepared. We, too, must prepare for those inevitable times when the pressure is on.
___ Preparation for burial (Mark 14:3-9). The setting is the house of Simon the leper at mealtime. The custom is to pour a few drops of perfume on a guest just prior to the meal. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, (John 12:3) breaks an alabaster jar of perfume valued at an entire year's pay and pours it all on Jesus' head. What is grudgingly criticized as a waste by some in the room is described as "a beautiful thing" by Jesus. It is identified as both an act of preparation for his burial and a living memorial to Mary who had done "what she could."
___This story of preparation for burial reminds us that love is something you do.
___It is marked by an extravagance which refuses to count the cost. It recognizes and responds to those opportunities for expression which may never come again. The response of Jesus to Mary's actions reminds us that our acts of service to him will not be forgotten.
___ Preparation for reunion (Mark 14:27-28). The fact that Jesus was prepared for his disciples failing him did not diminish the added mental anguish that it brought. Perhaps this failure of friends hurt him most. Nevertheless, his knowledge of Scripture had prepared him. He quotes from Zechariah in informing the disciples of their imminent desertion. (Zec. 13:7)
___But, he continued, after I've risen we'll reunite in Galilee. He would precede them in preparation for the reunion. We too will fail him. These failures never diminish the desire of Jesus for our fellowship. He has gone before us and established for us the route to restoration of our broken fellowship with him.
___ Preparation for death (Mark 14:32-36). The fact that Judas knew where to find Jesus shows that he was often there in the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke records that Jesus went there "as usual" (22:39). Jesus went there on this occasion for both human companionship (v.33) and his Father's fellowship (v.36).
___In our times of deepest need or in ministering to the needs of others it is often not conversation, but companionship that brings comfort. Nothing, however, will compare with our Father's fellowship in prayer.
___Jesus did not want to die at age 33. He did not want to experience the agonizing death of Calvary (v.36). Upon reassurance that this was the will of God, he compelled himself to go. In the assurance that he could address God intimately as "my Father" (v.36) his preparation for death was complete.
___Whether facing death or the inevitable pressures of life, Jesus reminds us that in knowing God as our Father, discerning his will in prayer and responding in faith, we too shall be fully prepared.

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