Luke Chapter 23 – Verses 55-56 (NIV)
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Matthew Chapter 22: Verses 37-38 (NIV)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”
These faithful, heartbroken women were always there for Jesus. They had financially supported His ministry, and stayed as close to Him as they could, right to the very end. They also wanted to ensure they gave Him a dignified burial. But they put God first, even in their sorrow; they obeyed the Sabbath law.
When we are going through difficult circumstances, it can be tempting to put ourselves first and put the things of God further down our priorities. But that shouldn’t be so. Jesus taught us that the most important thing was to put God first. And He doesn’t ask us to do anything He didn’t do Himself. At His very lowest ebb in Gethsemane, did He not pray, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
When we’re tempted to have a pity party, let’s remember what Jesus prayed, but also the actions of these faithful women.
Dear Lord,
Help me remember to always put You first, even if I have reason to feel sorry for myself. I’m grateful that Jesus understands when I feel like this, but help me to follow His example. I ask in His Name.
Amen.