That was 40 days ago now. So much had happened since then. Jesus had returned from heaven to visit his disciples. They now understood, as well as she, that He was alive! But He told them He was going back to heaven to prepare a place for His disciples. And He promised that since He was going to prepare a place for them , He would come again, and receive them to Himself; that where He was , there they would be also.
He told them to wait in Jerusalem until He would send the gift of His Spirit, the very presence of God, to be with them and fill them. Then, they were to go in the power of the Spirit to tell the world His gospel story, teaching all to obey His commandments and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Today was the last time she would see Jesus. He had come once again to Bethany This had been His home away from home. He did not leave without saying goodby to His dearest friends.
ACT: Jesus leads Mary, Martha, Lazarus and His disciples to the Mountain top. All the people followed.
Then He led them to a hill
ACT: Jesus turns to lift His hands and bless the people.
Luke 24:50…..and lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
ACT: stand watching Jesus ascend.
The last thing Mary remembered seeing of her Master was His feet disappearing into a cloud of glory. Oh how she longed to go with Him. To see heaven. To look into His eyes, to be known by Him, and To hear Him once more call her “Mary”.
Maybe by now we can see that Mary’s life is our story too. Where do we each fit in? Are we Mary, Martha, or Uncle Simon, or cousin Judas, or one of her customers or accusers? Or are we the face, voice, hands and feet of Jesus to those in our contact? Have we listened to the gentle Voice of God as He invites us to be His friend. Have we stepped into the light of His presence, gazed on His face and bowed at His feet to let Him cast the demons from our life? Are we the accused or the accuser? Have we been forgiven and have we released others from our condemnation and accusation and allowed His love and forgiveness to change our hearts rather than asking Him to change theirs? Do we have too much to do to spend time at the feet of Jesus today? Have we spent time at the foot of the cross to understand the Gift of God? Do we sigh and wish Him to return to hear Him say our name?
It is time we returned our extravagance upon the body of Christ being His church here in this world! Like the fragrance of Marys’s act filled the room, let’s fill the whole world with the gospel of Jesus love!
Author:
Sharon Oxentenko 10/7/2022