Friday, March 27, 2015

Friday, March 27: Mitchell Eggenberger

John 12:7. [Jesus said], “Leave her alone.”

In this passage Jesus is in the home of Lazarus eating dinner with some of his disciples, as well as with Mary. As Mary anoints Jesus with perfume, the disciple who is about to betray Jesus asks Mary why the perfume is not sold. Jesus knows that the disciple, Judas Iscariot, is doing this out of interest not for the community as he stated and for his own monetary interests. Jesus said ‘Leave her alone’

In this moment Jesus recognizes that Judas is being dishonest and prevents Judas from harassing Mary. At the time the others at the table and Mary had no clue that Judas was in fact being dishonest and was stealing. However Jesus knew of Judas’ deeds and prevented the further spread. Jesus in this passage defended Mary, while at the same time condemning the criminal. Jesus demonstrates that he will always be our “safety net” when we are put in harm’s way. Jesus will always be there for all of us in protecting us from future harm. With this knowledge I always know that the decisions I am making will be for the good of myself, others and the greater community. God reminds us through Jesus he is the guardian of the faithful.

This passage can be interpreted quite literally as Jesus simply preventing crime and defending the innocent as stated above, yet Jesus’ words can be applied to a multitude of situations. Jesus knows what is right for us and will steer us back onto course if we stray from the path, even if we cannot comprehend or understand the reason at the time, just as the unknowing Mary and disciples during this dinner.

This passage reaffirms my belief that Jesus is the protector of society from all things evil and that he will always be there to right our spiritual ship.                                                                        

—Mitchell Eggenberger

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