Jesus is the Remedy
Mark 14:1–15:47

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ecently we discovered on a box of herbal tea, a saying that read, ‘modern problems need ancient solutions’, and of course the ingredient was a super unique herb that was meant to de-stress you and relieve all your worries.  There are a lot of ‘remedies’ available right now, and a lot of people seeking something tangible.  This is not very different from ancient times and our concerns aren’t new or surprising, but they are our own.  The time in which Jesus was welcomed by those who knew him, by word-of-mouth and prophetic text, – these were a people who had heard of a remedy, that there was someone so phenomenal that he could do what no one else thought could be possible.

As we share in this devotion, a photo of us from a long time ago, we can confidently say that on that day we had no idea what was to come in the future, but in that moment, there was joy.  All over the world there are those who are experiencing the unexpected and many vacillate between sorrow and joy, and for some of us sorrow and questions remain.  There are photos that prepare us for days to come, the photos of war and strife preceding famine, the photos of children wielding guns in nations later becoming armed soldiers, the 3D photo of a growing baby, and the candid photo of friends laughing.  The latter is as unexpected as the former, but more longed for than harm.

Who desires harm for those around them, do you not then also seek it for yourself?  That is a question Jesus reminds the disciples, that he did not come to lead rebellions for he could have petitioned God for an army (Mt. 26:53-54); but Christ came, performed miracles, and rose from the grave to be obedient to God in fulfilling the scriptures (Mk 14:47-48, Lk 22:51).  The fulfillment of the ancient remedy came in the form of Christ Jesus who stood against the ancients and said that not only is He the remedy, but we are blessed for believing in Jesus, blessed for believing in peace, blessed for doing what no one else thought could be…in Jesus’ name.

Reflection: Jesus’ anointing at Bethany was and is a call, a prophetic preparation. How are we preparing others to meet Jesus, to be blessed by faith in Christ?