"Give Her Something to Eat!"

Preface: A young 12-year-old girl was on the verge of death.  She was the daughter of a synagogue ruler named Jairus.  Most of the religious leaders in Judea were furious with Jesus at this point in his ministry and had begun to discuss what to do with him.  There had already been an attempt to shove Jesus off a cliff after he taught in his hometown synagogue.  The accusations of blasphemy by the Pharisees and teachers of the law grew daily.  We don't know if Jairus was actively involved in this angry reaction.  If he had been, it is easy to see how the possibility of losing his only child might bring about a drastic change of heart.  Regardless, Jesus did not discriminate among those who needed help.  He had mercy on a synagogue president's family who became recipients of one of his most dramatic miracles.

Jairus' wife tells her side of the story:

"I will never, ever forget the day I met Jesus.  Our home was filled with family, friends and public mourners crying and wailing because my darling daughter had just died in my arms.  Throughout her lingering illness, I felt so helpless, with nowhere to turn.

"The stories of Jesus the healer were widespread.  Someone told me he had raised a woman's son from the dead.  I desperately wanted to find him.  But it would have been impossible for me, as the wife of our town's chief synagogue officer, to seek out Jesus on my own.  I wasn't even permitted to walk the city streets alone, much less search for a maverick teacher.  This would have brought the ultimate embarrassment to my husband, Jairus.

"And because Jairus was prominent in the synagogue, he himself had reason to think twice about going to Jesus.  Pharisees, priests and teachers of the law from all around had labeled Jesus as a blasphemous trouble-maker.  They wanted a reason to arrest him and stop his growing popularity.    So how could Jairus dare ask Jesus for help?  Yet on that horrible day, as he watched our precious daughter grow paler and weaker, gasping for breath, he could no long restrain himself.  Synagogue ruler or not, he had to find the miracle worker.  It was our last hope.  When Jairus finally found Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading for the life of our only child.

"Waiting for Jairus to return felt like an eternity.  I wondered if Rabbi Jesus would really come to help a little girl.  Most rabbis had no time for females, young or old, and viewed us as a distraction from the more important things in life.  As these thoughts ran through my mind, I glanced down at my daughter, then watched as she drew her last breath.  I rocked her back and forth in my arms, stroking her hair, her tunic soaked with my tears.  I screamed her name, begging her to come back to me.  But she was beyond the reach of my voice.  I held onto her for a long time, then carefully laid her on the bed.  I gently closed her eyes and caressed her face with my hand.  The suffering was over and she looked so peaceful, as though she were asleep.   A servant left immediately to tell Jairus.

"It wasn't long before I heard a man's voice rise above the chaotic mourning and wailing, asking the crowd in the adjoining room why they were causing such a noisy commotion.  He said my daughter was just sleeping.  Everyone laughed at him.  Then he told them all to leave the house.  I welcomed the quiet that followed.

"Jairus and I held onto each other, standing next to three of Jesus' disciples as the healer leaned over the bed and tenderly took my daughter's small hand in his.  Then, with endearing affection, he said to her:  'My little one, I say to you, rise up!'  She began to stir.  Her eyes opened and Jesus, still holding her hand, lifted her to a sitting position.  She immediately got off the bed and walked around a little disoriented.  When she saw us, she ran into my open arms.  I  held onto her, my tears of sorrow turned to joy.  Jairus wrapped his arms tightly around us both.

"Not missing a single detail, Jesus, knowing our child was weak and hungry after her ordeal, then smiled and said, 'Well, give her something to eat!'  Elated at this startling turn of events, we scurried around trying to find her favorite foods.

"Jairus and I were deeply humbled by the impartial goodness of Jesus.  With just one gracious touch of his hand, He restored jubilant life into our home, the home of a synagogue president, showing mercy we did not deserve."

Matthew 9:18-19; 23-26; Mark 5:22-24; 35-43; Luke 8:41-42; 49-56
(c) Joyce Catherwood 2011

Why Are You Weeping?

Preface:  Not only did Jesus deliver Mary Magdalene from her mental illness and cruel isolation when he first met her, he also responded to her tears as she frantically looked for his body after he had risen from the grave.  You could say there must be other more important reasons why the first person Jesus appeared to was Mary.  But is it possible our tender-hearted Savior felt it was important enough to take a few minutes to comfort the grief-stricken, weeping Mary before he showed himself to the disciples or even ascended into heaven?  While most of his friends fled, Mary remained devoutly supportive of Jesus throughout the heart-wrenching crucifixion process, even to the point of being deeply concerned about what would happen to his body afterwards.  It is easy for me to see why Jesus might have been moved to respond to her devotion and wanted to wipe away her tears.  Jesus is affected by our tears.  And one day, when all is said and done, he will wipe away every tear from every eye and there will be no more crying.

Mary Magdalene tells her story:

"I probably have more reasons than anyone to respond with fierce loyalty to our Lord.  He lifted me out of despicable conditions, conditions so desperate they are hard to describe.  I lived in terrifying darkness, plagued with despair and depression.  Often I didn't know who I was, where I was--I had lost complete control over my life.  I had brought shame and embarrassment to my family.

"In our culture, those suffering from madness are treated with disdain, viewed as a freak of nature and banished to the edge of town or the city dump.  People would move aside and look disgusted or scared if I came near them.  I became accustomed to the degrading name-calling and finger-pointing, believing it was all I deserved. 

"But one glorious day, a man named Jesus saw me and took pity.  He walked right over to me, not at all put off by my wretchedness.  As he approached me, I backed away terrified, stumbling to the ground.  I didn't know what he was going to do.  I was so used to mistreatment.  But he knelt down and spoke calmly to me.  He smoothed my dirty hair off my face with his rough carpenter hands.  I had no memory of the last time anyone had shown me any compassion.  Then, in one split second, he healed my mind and filled my heart and soul with light and wonder and blessed peace!

"So it shouldn't be difficult to understand why I began to follow him everywhere.  I supported him financially out of my own means.  I became a part of his traveling team, sharing countless miles and meals.  I knew him so well.  I knew what made him smile, what made him exasperated, what made his heart heavy.

"And at the end of his life, no matter how frightening or gruesome things got, I could not leave him.  I was there when they nailed him to the cross.  I was there when he cried out 'It is finished!' and breathed his last breath.  I watched as Joseph of Arimathea carefully took him down from the cross and followed as they carried him to the tomb.  Only then did I go home, determined to come back and properly prepare his body for burial.

"While it was still dark, I returned to his grave site with a few other women.  A violent earthquake frightened us out of our wits, but did not deter us as we made our way to the garden where his tomb was located.  When we got there, I was astonished to find it empty.  The soldiers that had been positioned to guard his body lay dead on the ground.  It angered me that anyone would steal his body after all that had already been done to him.  We ran to get help.  Peter and John rushed back with us, saw the empty tomb and then left, confused.  None of us understood that Jesus had to rise from the dead.

"I began to sob uncontrollably.   I looked into the tomb one more time and was startled by an angel whose appearance was like a stream of lightening.   He was so bright.  Bewildered, I turned around when someone standing behind me said, "Why are you weeping?"  I was still blinded by the light of the angel and my eyes were swollen and flooded with tears, so I didn't recognize who it was at first.  But when he spoke my name, I knew it was Jesus!  I fell at his feet and hung onto him with all my might.  We were laughing and crying at the same time.  My master was alive!

"Jesus finally had to tell me to let go because he hadn't yet ascended to his Father.  He had delayed his ascent to heaven so he could comfort a weeping woman--amazing, yet so typical of my Lord.

"The sun popped up over the horizon and cast a brilliant glow over everything.  What a contrast to the darkness of the last few days.  I don't think my feet ever touched the ground as I ran to tell everyone the good news!  Jesus had come back to life.  I had seen the risen Lord!" 

John 19:25; 38-42; 20:1-18
(c) Joyce Catherwood 2011

Sticks and Stones

Preface:  Jesus' reaction to the woman caught in the act of adultery may seem surprising to some.  It certainly was in stark contrast to the actions of the religious leaders of the day who exhibited utter disregard for her as a person.  They had actually set her up in an attempt to theologically trick Jesus and then proceeded to publicly incriminate her.  We don't know why or how she fell victim to this hypocritical plot.  But remember, women of 1st century Jewish society had no rights. She was the possession of her husband in an arranged marriage, for better or for worse.  Her opinion did not matter.  She had no power, no voice even if she found herself in an abusive situation.  Jesus knew her heart and he also knew what was in the hearts of her accusers.

Sticks and stones may break bones, but it turns out names can really hurt too.

She tells her story:

Just before dawn, the door to our secret hiding place burst open and slammed against the wall.  Scribes and Pharisees stormed in, screaming, "Adulteress!"  They grabbed me, pulling me out of bed and shoved me toward the door.  Barely awake, I glanced back at the man I had trusted with my heart and deepest needs.  He turned his head away.  Why did they take me and leave him behind?  I later learned that my foolish indiscretion had thrust me into the middle of a malicious plot to entrap and accuse the popular rabbi, Jesus.

Once out the door, I was immediately sandwiched between two fast-walking Pharisees who gripped my arms so tightly they left bruises.  Fighting back tears and unbelievably ashamed, I looked down as they rushed me through the streets, passing shopkeepers and vendors setting up for the day.  I felt sickened and humiliated beyond words.

When we arrived at the temple courts, my band of captors rudely plowed through a large gathering until we reached Jesus.  He was seated, teaching a large crowd that had gathered early that morning.  The two Pharisees pushed me in front of Jesus loudly proclaiming they had caught me in the act of adultery.  As I stood shivering, disheveled and exposed, I knew people were gawking at me, some with looks of sheer disgust.  I could hear the salacious whispering and ridicule going on behind me.  One of the women traveling with Jesus gently placed a cloak on my shoulders.  Tears of appreciation rolled down my cheeks.  I knew what I had done was so wrong, one of the gravest sins according to our law.  But in our culture, the marriages arranged at  childhood are sometimes loveless.  Wives become the property of husbands who can be arrogant and overbearing.  Vulnerable and starved for affection, some risk seeking love elsewhere.

Then the scribes and Pharisees said: "The law of Moses says we should stone her.  What do you say?"  I gasped as I heard those words.   We were a captive nation and Roman law forbade capital punishment for an offense like this.  Would they really stone me?  Horrified, I looked at Jesus.  He seemed to ignore their challenge, and instead, bent down and wrote in the dust with his finger.  Frustrated, they continued to shout questions at him.  Jesus finally straightened up and said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone."  Then he bent down again, continuing to write in the dust.

In disbelief, I waited for what seemed like an eternity, too frightened to move. My heart thumped so loudly, I could barely hear Jesus when he asked me "Where are they?"  I dared to turn my head and was startled to see that my accusers had slipped away, one by one, beginning with the most prominent.  Jesus was now standing in front of me and said:  "Has no one condemned you?"

Incredulous, I responded, "No one, sir."  Jesus then said, "Neither do I condemn you."  He told me I was free to go and should leave my life of sin.  I was astounded by Jesus' tenderness, his gracious manner.  It was a remarkable contrast to the contempt and disdain of the scribes and Pharisees which was what I expected.  Never would I have anticipated experiencing such forgiveness from a rabbi.

 I turned and made my way through the crowd.  Once on the street, I walked away quickly.  I felt the wind against my face and breathed deep, cleansing breaths of freedom.  Jesus had pardoned me.  So great was God's mercy, it filled my empty heart and gave me hope for new beginnings.

John 8:1-11

(c) Joyce Catherwood 2011

Send Her Away!

Preface:  Did Jesus really call the Syrophoenician woman who begged for healing for her child a dog?  At first glance, one might think he was rude and insulting to her by telling her it isn't right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.  This reference is to the fact that his major mission during his short earthly ministry was to the Jewish people and not specifically to the surrounding nations which included Phoenicia.  But if you read between the lines, you will see the loving and compassionate Jesus finding himself unable to withhold responding to the humility, persistence and deep faith of a pagan woman and her little daughter in the grips of misery.

The mom from Phoenicia tells her story:

"I was beyond desperate!  My precious little girl was terrified and completely out of her mind.  I sought help everywhere, but no one was able to bring relief.  I had heard of the great Israelite healer, Jesus, and his miracles.  The Jews abhorred our people; so when word spread that Jesus had traveled into Phoenicia, I found it heard to believe he was actually here.  I set out to find him, asking family, friends and even strangers whether they had seen him

"Finally I found him!  I saw him standing in the courtyard of the house where he and his disciples were staying.  My heart filled with hope.  'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!' I cried as I begged him to heal my baby girl.  At first he didn't answer me.  I turned to his disciples, pleading with them to help me get through to Jesus.  They quickly became annoyed with me and urged Jesus to send me away.  They seemed to read into his silence that he must have been irritated by me as they were.

"At last Jesus spoke.  I was so relieved that he had at least responded, I fell at his feet and prayed, 'Lord, help me!'  He explained to me he was sent only to Israel and that I should realize it's not right to take the children's bread and give it to their little dogs.  The children should be allowed to eat all they want first.  And I knew that.  I knew he had been working miracles only in Jewish regions.  I knew we lived in a spiritually dark and pagan corner of the world.  But he was here in our land, standing right in front of me.  So, I said:  'Yes, Lord, I know.  But even the puppies eat the crumbs that fall from the master's table.'

"As I gazed up at him, looking for even the slightest positive sign, Jesus smiled, obviously moved by my response.  He told me I had great faith and my heart's desire had been granted--my daughter was healed!  Overcome with relief, I thanked him over and over.  Then I ran all the way home and found my little one sleeping peacefully.  My sweet daughter's beautiful tiny face was no longer contorted with stark fear and anguish.  I curled up beside her and wept tears of joy.

"Jesus had crossed the border into our country to get away from tiresome arguments with the Pharisees.  He didn't want anyone to know where he was.  Even though in my desperation I had interrupted the privacy Jesus sought, divine pity crossed physical and racial boundaries that day as Jesus reached out to me, an outsider.  I received bread, not crumbs, from the master's table!"
 
Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30
(c) Joyce Catherwood 2011

The Neighborhood Misfit...

Preface:  How does it feel to be looked down on and constantly ignored? The woman referred to in the Gospel of Mark as "the unclean woman" was an untouchable misfit in her society.  She knew how it felt to have people dismissively look away or to step quickly aside, scrupulously avoiding any physical contact with her. She felt insignificant, alone, unloved and abandoned.  She felt betrayed by her diseased body.  Her encounter with Jesus was fascinating.  Not only did he heal her physically, but he restored her profoundly wounded heart and damaged soul.

Let's hear it in her own words.

"With a look of disgust on their faces, people cautiously stepped aside when I walked by. I sensed their irritation because I had gotten in their way. By law they were required to avoid all contact with me, otherwise they too would end up ceremonially unclean. I was known in my community as the 'unclean woman.'  This had gone on for twelve miserable years.  The continual, daily rejection bred emotionally painful isolation and chronic loneliness.  I felt small and invisible.  I never grew accustomed to it and the fear of more rejection caused me to be defensive at times.  This made people want to avoid me even more. I spent most of my waking hours hiding in the shadows, watching others live their lives.

"I suffered from a malady that caused a chronic hemorrhage of blood.  And in our society, anyone who touched me or anything I had touched, either purposely or accidentally, was considered ritually unclean until evening.  They were then required to wash all their clothes and bathe with water.  When I first became ill, a few had pity on me, willing to perform the complex, time-consuming rituals after having had contact with me.  But that quickly grew tiresome for my family and friends.  Plus there was the lingering foul odor and untidiness of it all.  It was simply easier for people to stay away from me. 

"Doctors didn't know how to treat my disease and often the 'cure' was humiliating and painful, worse than the illness.  The cost of treatments left me penniless.  Having exhausted any possibility of a cure and living in poverty, I was at my lowest point, feeling truly abandoned.

"Then Jesus arrived in our town.  People called him the 'gentle healer.'  The afflicted and hopeless whispered his name with deep affection.  He offered restoration and healing of mind and body-a new beginning.

I hadn't stopped dreaming of being whole again, doing the normal things women do every day.  So I gathered up what little courage I had left and searched the neighborhoods for Jesus.  When I found him, he was surrounded by men, women and children, all wanting to see his face, to receive healing and a promise of better things.  For the first time in years, my heart soared.  I was absolutely caught up in the excitement and decided on the spot if I could just touch his garment, somehow that would be enough.  I knew better than to think I could actually approach him directly.

"Then I noticed the prominent synagogue leader, Jairus, walking with Jesus.  They were on their way to Jairus' house because his little twelve-year-old daughter was dying.  My heart sank.  My plan was shattered.  Touching Jesus' clothing would render him ritually impure and he would not be allowed to enter Jairus' home.  But I was desperate and instantly convinced myself to do it anyway because, after all, Jesus wouldn't know who had touched him.  People were swarming around him, grasping at him, bumping against him.

"I pushed through the thick crowd, finally crawling on my hands and knees, between legs and over feet, managing to reach the spot where Jesus was about to pass by.  I stretched out my hand, barely touching the fringe of his robe.  Immediately, I felt a surge of healing and strength coarse through my body.  Breathless, I struggled to my feet and backed away, stunned.  Then Jesus called out:  'Who touched me!'  I froze.  He repeated the question.  I wanted to flee but instead fell at his feet, terrified.   Sobbing and choking on my words, I poured out my story.

"Amazingly, there was no rebuke, no scolding for delaying and defiling him.  Instead, Jesus praised my faith and said what I had been hoping against  hope to hear:  'Take heart, daughter, you are free from your suffering!'  But as he spoke, he was interrupted by one of Jairus' servants bringing news that Jairus' beloved daughter had died.  I swallowed hard, assuming I was the cause of her death.  I had selfishly delayed Jesus and now the synagogue ruler's only child was dead.  I feared retribution from Jairus, but Jesus quickly reassured him, saying:  'Don't be afraid.  Just believe.'  Confused and conflicted, I followed Jesus and the crowd to Jairus' house.  There Jesus raised his daughter from the dead!  Everyone was astounded.  The master had graciously delivered us both!

"And just like that, it was all over.  After twelve years, I was no longer the neighborhood misfit, the untouchable woman in my village.  Jesus had healed my body and brought wholeness to my life.  He had publicly validated my faith.  What a glorious time I had returning to normal living, doing things that most took for granted.  No more hiding in the shadows.  No more shame and rejection.  No more pain.  No more isolation and loneliness.  For the first time in twelve years, I embraced life and all those around me!

Mark 5:21-42
(c) Joyce Catherwood 2011

Girl Talk



                And the sky was bright with a holy light, twas the birthday of a king....



Preface:  In the same way I stand transformed at the cross of Jesus and the unthinkable rejection and agony he suffered for me, I am also transformed by the incarnation--God of all creation born as a helpless baby.  The very thing we as humans long for, the splendor and glory of the heavenly realm, our Savior readily gave up to become an infinitesimal speck of life in Mary's dark womb.  It is truly the greatest story every told.  At the onset of Mary's pregnancy, she visited her older cousin Elizabeth.  They both had miraculous conceptions and were told their babies would be extraordinary. Imagine all the girl talk that must have taken place about their amazing circumstances.

Elizabeth shares details of Mary's visit to her home:

"Mary danced across our threshold.  Even after several days of mountainous travel, her lovely dark eyes sparkled and she was full of smiles as she greeted us.  Her tunic was tattered and dusty and her sandals were worn thin.  Stones and thorns along the way had etched deep scratches into her feet, but Mary didn't seem to notice as she moved about lightly with the ease of youth.  My little cousin was accustomed to trekking up and down narrow hillside footpaths because of her usual daily duties of tending sheep or carrying water.

"And now she was carrying greatness, the only Son of God, supernaturally conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit.  I was also with child, miraculously conceiving in my old age.  To say I was delighted to be pregnant would be an understatement after spending many barren years of disappointment and enduring disgrace by society because I couldn't bear a child.

"When the babe in my womb heard the sound of Mary's voice, he leaped with joy, just as though he knew his Lord had entered our home!  Exhilarated, I responded:  'Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bare!  Why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?'  We hugged, holding onto each other.  Mary, unable to contain her excitement, burst into song, glorifying God.  She was thrilled that she had been chosen to be the mother of Messiah--the longstanding dream of every young Jewish girl.

"Over the next three months, it became clear exactly why Mary came to visit me.  In spite of our age difference, we had much in common.  We spent the days, then lighting candles and staying up late into the nights, chatting and sharing--wonderful girl talk--about everything.  There were so many things to discuss and compare.  We were both bearing our firstborn child.  We both knew in advance we would have sons and even knew their names would be John and Jesus.  We shared the same angel messenger, Gabriel, who told us our sons would be great men.  We pondered the angel's words and wondered what it would be like for Mary to be mother of the Son of the Most High.  We mused over how John would turn hearts back to God, preparing the way for Mary's son, Jesus.  We wept as we realized that I, because of my age, would probably not live to see all this come about.

"And we shared apprehension of the birth process, having seen many a sister deliver a bundle of wrinkled newborn flesh, encircled by women, supporting and soothing the moaning mother.  Women's work, it's called, while the men sit in silence in the courtyard.  Little did we know that Mary would have to bring her baby into the world in unfamiliar and crude surroundings, without feminine support, and with only Joseph at her side.

"Toward the end of her stay, my long anticipated boy was born as expected, with family and neighbors sharing in the festivities.  Oh, and I should mention my husband, Zechariah, a priest, who was struck dumb by the angel Gabriel prior to my pregnancy, finally spoke again.  His inability to communicate gave Mary and me a lot of time to spend together, since I couldn't talk to him.  Zechariah was about to explode when he finally got his voice back.  He then prophesied more wondrous things about John and Jesus.

"John's birth was an answer to the prayer we had prayed for years for my barren state to be lifted.  But Gabriel said it would also strengthen Mary, showing her that nothing is impossible with God.  She returned home refreshed and ready to face potential cruel slander by her neighbors and dismay of her family as it became obvious that she had become with child prior to marriage.  She was sure, with her loving Joseph by her side, that everything would be OK.

"Six months later, Mary bore her holy infant in the most humble of circumstances, unnoticed by the rest of the world.  But in celestial realms, the day of Jesus' birth was cause for jubilant celebration!  Shepherds in a nearby field described how the heavens opened and an angel appeared in a blaze of glory, terrifying them. They said the angel reassured them saying:  "Don't be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!  Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Messiah and Lord!"  The shepherds recounted how suddenly a massive angelic choir appeared around the angel.  Their song rippled thunderously through the countryside as they praised God in the highest, proclaiming peace on earth.  Heaven erupted in joy that day; Earth had finally received her King!

"Sharing our souls, our hearts, our hopes and dreams as moms-to-be, Mary and I formed a deep and powerful bond during her visit that will remain with us forever.

Luke 1:5-80 
Photo caption from song The Birthday of a King by William Harold Neidlinger
                                                                      
                                                                               (c) Joyce Catherwood 2010

1st Century Soccer Mom

Preface:  Way before there were SUVs and seemingly round-the-clock soccer or a myriad of other child-related events, most of us as mothers had some "soccer mom" in us.  We all want the best for our kids and want our kids to be the best.  We haven't all had the same opportunities or finances to haul our kids all over town to every imaginable type of lesson or activity.  But there is no denying we would welcome any chance to advance our sons and daughters so that they might be more successful.  It shouldn't be difficult then to understand why Solome, the mother of disciples James and John, would dare to ask Jesus if he would give her sons top jobs during his Messianic reign over the Jews.  We would probably do the exact same thing.  Though her request turned out to be inappropriate at the time, Jesus' response was patient and thoughtful.  He understands that moms will always be moms.

Solome tells her story.

"Yes, Jesus had said he was going to die, but we assumed his work has just begun.  My husband, Zebedee, and I, and both of our sons, James and John, were swept up in the contagious energy of his exciting ministry.  Everywhere Messiah went huge crowds followed.  He touched lives, healed the sick and he had even raised the dead.  It was amazing!  It was exhilarating!  We thought his influence could not be contained and would explode, finally leading to his Messianic rule from Jerusalem.

"I was overjoyed to follow Jesus and care for his needs.  It was as though he were my own son.  He nicknamed my boys 'Sons of Thunder' because of their enthusiasm and eagerness to assist him.  He and John had become best of friends.  We felt especially close to him.  He was family.  So as we traveled together to Jerusalem one bright sun-shiny day, it seemed perfectly natural to me to ask Jesus for a favor.   With James and John by my side, I kneeled before Jesus and asked him if my sons could have prominent positions in his kingdom.

"We gazed at him with great anticipation, waiting for his response.  But it was not what we expected.  He said he didn't think we really understood what we were asking.  He asked James and John if they could drink of the cup he was to drink.  They said, 'Yes, we can!"  But we were not sure exactly what he meant by that.  We felt he must have been referring to all that would be involved in his Messianic reign.  I wondered what else it could be.  His frequent references to arrest and crucifixion had troubled me.  But I put that aside because his influence and miracles were so impressive, it didn't seem possible that could ever occur.

"I began to feel uneasy as a wave of embarrassment swept over me. Then I knew for sure my request was not the best idea when things began to unravel.  Jesus' response had been patient and considerate, but the other ten disciples had overheard our conversation.  Before long, a heated argument erupted over who should be the greatest.  The ten indignantly turned on James and John.  Jesus had to step in to straighten everyone out, explaining the greatest must first become a servant.

When we reached Jerusalem, our hopes and spirits soared.  Jesus entered the city triumphantly with great fanfare.  But our dreams were quickly dashed to pieces when Jesus was indeed arrested a few days later just as he had predicted.  The adoring crowds turned vicious. This strong, tender-hearted young man had done nothing but good to others.  Yet he was mocked, slapped and spat on.  He was brutally beaten.  Even the execution soldiers were shocked at the extent of his wounds.  I watched with unbelieving eyes, determining not to leave him even though many, including most of his disciples, had fled for their lives.

The grim process dragged throughout the afternoon.  My son John had also stayed by him, comforting Jesus' mother, Mary, as she knelt in unspeakable sorrow before the cross.  Through parched lips and struggling for breath,  Jesus asked his dear friend John to care for his mother.  My brave son took Mary's hand and gently led her back to us.  Then Jesus died. 

Three days later, he was raised from the dead!  We were exuberant beyond words.  It was there, at the foot of the cross, that I finally began to understand what it meant to follow him.  How foolish of us to ask for prominence.  He had not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mt. 20:17-28

(c) Joyce Catherwood 2010