relationships (Matthew 27:61-66) Having in Common the Most Important Thing

(Matthew 27:61-66)

55 And many women were there watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while caring for Him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

57 Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

I think this is important to note.  In our Christian communities and families, we are not to be paternally driven, and we are not even to be maternally driven.  We are to be Christ-driven: If Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, were so important to one's faith, a bigger deal would have been made, not just here, but in the rest of the Bible. Notice that Jesus' name isn't even mentioned as a son.  Instead, two of the four known half-brothers of Jesus are mentioned.  

(Mother) Mary is not even the first one mentioned in this motley mix of believers.  This Mary was like everyone else, born a sinner in need of saving.  We know that she was a believer as a very young woman, even before the angel told her that she would be the one to give birth to Israel's Messiah.  She was called by God to "provide" the human part of Jesus, so that He could be born fully man, while still being fully God.  As a believer, she was already deemed righteous by the Lord, as was her husband, Joseph, who was a carpenter by trade.  Together, they raised Jesus in a humble and righteous household, as they were led by God. 

Now for the rest.  At the top of the list is Mary Magdalene, a woman with a very sordid past, once being a prostitute, and being possessed by several demons, she became a believer, and her life changed dramatically, becoming one of Jesus' most faithful followers and disciples.  Salome, the mother of James and John, came from Zebedee, where the family had been in the fishing industry.  We have no idea when she became a believer, but we know that at some point she did make a decision, as verse 57 indicates.  This verse says Joseph had "also" become a disciple of Jesus, Joseph, being a rich man from Arimathea, a region in Judea or Ephraim..

This group of believers, all from very different backgrounds, had one very important thing in common - they all loved Jesus!  And in God's unity, they worked together.  This is a snapshot of the Church.  This is how it should be.

relationships (Psalm 133:1-3) The Key to True Unity

(Psalm 133:1-3) 

1   Behold, how good and how pleasant it is 
     For brothers to live together in unity!

2   It is like the precious oil on the head,
     Running down upon the beard,
     As on Aaron’s beard,
     The oil which ran down upon the edge of his robes.
3   It is like the dew of Hermon 
     Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;
     For the Lord commanded the blessing there—life forever.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

It doesn't make sense to me how people who have heard the gospel message, have studied God's word, and even called themselves Christians, although most likely just going through the motions - walk away, angered and embittered, declaring that Christianity doesn't work, and the Bible is false and misleading - because they just cannot understand or accept the good news.  

In HIs word, God doesn't hold back on the bad news, because He tells us as it is.  There is sin and evil in this world, as well as dark forces at work, who do their utmost (as much as God allows them) to take people away from God and keep people away from God.  And we don't have to look all that far to see those who will take God's words, twist and distort them, to deceive and destroy, and create division and disunity.  But where there is darkness, the light can pierce through.

Right here in God's word, we see the very good news.  God desires that all come to know Him personally, so that He can free us from sin and give us eternal life.  And - He commands that there are blessings and beautiful, harmonious, peaceful and loving unity!!!  For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear!

It is a blessing when fellow believers experience deep fellowship and godly unity, encouragement and support.  The key to achieving this is when we all seek and live in God's will, which is only possible in His forgiveness, righteousness and salvation.  I know say this often, but it is so very true, and it is the only way to find this unity... the closer we all grow to God, the closer we will grow to each other.