During a violent tropical storm when I was a kid, my mum came to my room to make sure I was ok. I was awake but pretended to be asleep. She moved the blanket over my body and stroked my cheek with the palm of her hand before she left. I remember feeling all ‘warm and fuzzy’ by what she did.
From grade 1 onwards when I was living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I travelled to and back from school by bus. The conditions were horrendous. During peak hours, buses were packed like sardines with people hanging on for dear life at the entrance. On more than one occasion, I’d be one of those people. I would often find myself standing for the whole 10kms trip home carrying my heavy school bag.
Imagine my great relief dad showing up unexpectedly from time to time to take me home. That’s just the start of the surprise. Each time, he’d ask me if I wanted something to eat first. What kid would say no to that? I was very moved by his gesture.
I am sure you have memories of your own parents, grandparents, people who said or did things that moved you and still do to this day.
Have you ever considered what moves the heart of Jesus?
In Matthew 9:36, we learn that Jesus was moved by the crowds of people because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. In Isaiah 61, God tells us that those who are humble and contrite in spirit, those who tremble at his word, move Him.
In Mark 14:3-9, Mary (if this account is the same as the one told in John 12:1-8), the sister of Martha and Lazarus, did something that moved Jesus so much, he said of her, “Truly, I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her”.
What did she do? She poured the entire contents of an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. This was no cheap perfume. Possibly a family heirloom passed on from one generation to the another, it was valued at more than a year’s wages and Mary decided Jesus was worthy of every drop of it. Jesus was deeply moved by her lavish, extravagant devotion to and affection for him. It is not hard to see Jesus occupied a prominent place in Mary’s heart.
All she wanted to do was spend time with him. It would seem Jesus loved being around her too (see Luke 10:38-42). In the last week of his earthly life before dying on the cross, where do you think he chose to spend it? He went to Mary’s house!
Prayer: Lord, may my heart be moved by that which moves your heart!
Coram Deo,
Mark
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