I remember my first time reaching ‘The Continent’. When I had my first glimpse of the Motherland, from when my roots originated, tears filled my eyes. That was Africa! I finally understood how folks kissed the ground on arrival at Mecca. Such devotion to an object was never my portion prior, and I didn’t kiss the ground. Nor have I had that sensation since. But I believe it was a response to seeing my dream become a reality.
What about those ladies? Y’shua had rejoiced with them. But there was also that personal moment when it registered that He was alive. What did they do next? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Matthew 28:9 CEB
[9] But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him.
Worshipped in Truth
It struck me that He only said one word. Just one word, and those ladies confirmed every single thing the angel told them. Jesus was alive. He really didn’t need to tell them to rejoice, for they were already elated. They were already rejoicing. Any doubts they might have harboured before were totally gone. Y’shua Jesus was alive. Truly, he was the Messiah. This was more than a regular joyous moment. It was a prayer and promise fulfilled in one! The immediate recourse: worship.
Unlike me when I arrived in Africa that first time, the Marys feelings were totally in order, and their response made sense (it was winter, I was not going out in the cold to kiss anything, less so, the cold ground. Oh no!). They worshipped Y’shua.
Immediately
Spontaneously
Unabashedly
In Spirit and In Truth
They kissed His feet
Self-Check
What does our spontaneous worship comprise?
Application
His feet?
Erm …
But this was the Mary, who we’re told washed Jesus’ feet with her hair, and who’d used her treasure to anoint Him. Remember in Luke 7:36-39, when He declared that she who was forgiven much was worshipping much? Or, in Matthew 26:6-13 14:3-9 when Jesus Himself said the person anointing His feet was preparing His body for burial. Note that that foot washing, rather, the anointing of Y’shua, is captured in all four Gospels.
Whether it was Mary Magdalene or not (as it was also attributed to another Mary in John 12:1-8), who was touching or anointing His feet, it seems to be an act of extreme devotion. Interestingly, we note that the women would have had all manner of spices with them yet again, as their aim was to give Him a worthy embalming, despite his early and unfair death. They had all that was needfull.
Moreover, their taking of Y’shua’s feet was a very public sign of worship.
To wash feet was a sign of humility, service, and devotion. Y’shua was also a foot washer. He even told Peter that to have one’s feet washed by Y’shua deepened the relationship. Could it be that the Marys were binding themselves in service to the risen Christ?
How about us, how shall we demonstrate our devotion to Him?
Point to Ponder
Hearing Y’shua’s voice convinced the Marys that Christ had risen. Do we hear His voice, and how do we respond?
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May all we seek be found in Christ