In today's devotional, Mark chapter 14 helps us see the different roles different individuals played in the trial, death and burial of Jesus. We see Simon the former leper play the important part of hosting Jesus to a banquet, this is the last time people were going to see him publicly, the next time they see him, he is being sentenced to death by Pilate. We see Mary Magdalene plays her part in anointing his body in preparation for his burial giving him the courage to go through with his decision. Jesus said hers' was a good role.
"But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.
Mark 14:6-8 NLT.
He also said she had done what she could. Even though it looks like a small role, in Jesus' eyes, this was big.
The man who had the upper room prepared played his own part by having a place ready before hand for Jesus to have a final meal with his disciples. Judas played his own part, he betrayed his Lord and master because of his greed for money.
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus."
Mark 14:10-11 NLT.
Peter played his own role too, on this day and for the first time since he started following Jesus, he denies his Lord 3 times.
"Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Mark 14:30 NLT.
All of us are playing some role; good or bad. Whether it is to fulfill the Great commission Jesus gave the church or ignoring the message all together, we are playing our roles.
