In the second edition of “Touching the Divine,” Talk 4 explores the topic of Jesus as the King. The article highlights the heightened ability of women to read facial expressions and emotions, emphasizing Mary’s intuition in John 12. Mary’s actions of breaking an alabaster jar and anointing Jesus symbolize a prefiguration of Jesus’s sacrifice. The article also discusses the importance of spiritual abandonment, trusting God to work in our circumstances and releasing our loved ones and possessions into God’s hands. Considering Jesus as our Savior and King brings about change and helps us to trust Him. The kingship of Jesus is contrasted with earthly kings who seek personal gain, and the article emphasizes the foundation of God’s love and mercy in developing spiritual abandonment. Praying in a way that builds trust in God and relying on His help are highlighted as crucial aspects of spiritual abandonment. The article concludes by encouraging readers to make a decision to place everything at the feet of Jesus and climb the spiritual heights to experience all that God has planned for them.

Mary’s Intuition

Women’s Ability to Read Emotions

Women have long been credited with having a heightened ability to read facial expressions and emotions. Recent research supports this notion, suggesting that women are more likely to pick up on subtle emotional messages and read things like tone of voice and body language better than men. This natural gift of intuition allows women to sense when something isn’t right, even before any signs of disaster have appeared. It also enables them to detect when someone is irritated with them, even when nothing specific has been said. Women’s intuition has been a topic of interest for centuries, and its validity is now being recognized through scientific research.

Mary’s Intuition in John 12

In the story from John 12, we see a beautiful example of Mary’s intuition at work. While Jesus had spoken to his disciples about his impending passion and death, their focus was on the positions they would hold in the kingdom of God. However, Mary, six days before Good Friday, sensed something going on that even the apostles didn’t fully understand. As she entered the room filled with men reclining at a table, she carried an alabaster jar filled with spikenard, an incredibly costly ointment. Mary’s intuition allowed her to perceive that there was a weight in the air, an anticipation of what was to come. She felt compelled to break the jar so that the ointment could flow freely over Jesus’s head and feet. In this act, we see Mary’s intuition guiding her to prepare Jesus for what lay ahead, even when others were unaware.

Mary’s Reflection of Psalm 51:17

Mary’s intuitive actions in John 12 were a reflection of her heart, which was broken in a way described in Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Mary recognized the significance of this moment and offered her broken heart and the precious ointment as a sacrifice to Jesus. In breaking the alabaster jar, Mary prefigured Jesus’s own death, where his body would be broken for the sake of humanity. Through her actions, she displayed a deep understanding of the spiritual significance of Jesus’s impending sacrifice and the necessity of offering one’s heart and life to him.

Jesus’s Response to Mary’s Heartbreak

Jesus, upon witnessing Mary’s sacrificial act, did not despise what he saw. Instead, he recognized the depth of her love and devotion. Mary’s broken heart and the pouring out of the costly ointment aligned with Jesus’s own impending sacrifice. He understood the symbolism behind her actions and acknowledged the pouring out of her love and gratitude onto him. In this poignant moment, Jesus displayed his acceptance of Mary’s offering, reinforcing the importance of heartfelt sacrifice and spiritual abandonment.

Mary’s Sacrificial Actions

Prefiguration of Jesus’s Death

Mary’s actions in breaking the alabaster jar and anointing Jesus were more than just a symbolic act of devotion. They were a prefiguration of Jesus’s own impending death and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, we see the presence of myrrh during important moments, such as the birth of Jesus. Wise men from the east brought myrrh to honor the newborn baby. In the story of Mary anointing Jesus, we see myrrh being brought again, this time as Jesus prepares to die. Mary’s choice to anoint Jesus with the costly ointment mirrors the act of dedication seen in Genesis 28:18, where Jacob took a stone that had been his pillow, anointed it with oil, and set it up as an altar. Mary’s anointing of Jesus with the ointment symbolizes his preparation for sacrifice and emphasizes the significance of his upcoming death.

Meaningfulness of Mary’s Actions

Mary’s actions of breaking the alabaster jar and anointing Jesus were meaningful on multiple levels. Firstly, the act of breaking the jar symbolized the breaking of Jesus’s own body during his crucifixion. It showed Mary’s willingness to offer all she had, including the precious ointment, in honor of Jesus’s impending sacrifice. Secondly, the pouring of the ointment on Jesus’s head and feet was a symbol of anointing, a gesture often associated with consecration and dedication. Mary recognized Jesus’s divine nature and acknowledged him as the anointed one of God, the Messiah. Her actions communicated her understanding and belief in Jesus’s role as the Savior and King.

Judas’s Criticism

Despite the meaningfulness and sacrificial nature of Mary’s actions, they were met with criticism from Judas, one of Jesus’s own disciples. Judas questioned the waste of the costly ointment, suggesting that it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, Mary understood that nothing was too costly for Jesus. She had experienced the transformative power and worthiness of Jesus firsthand and knew that her offering was of far greater value than any monetary gain. Mary’s actions teach us the importance of recognizing the worth of Jesus and being willing to sacrificially give to him without concern for societal norms or worldly opinions.

Mary’s Understanding of Jesus’s Worth

Mary’s actions and response to Judas’s criticism highlight her deep understanding of Jesus’s worth. She recognized Jesus as the worthy King, deserving of the highest honor and devotion. Mary’s sacrificial act demonstrated her unwavering belief in Jesus’s divine nature and her willingness to give her all to him. Her example challenges us to evaluate our own understanding of Jesus’s worth and consider the ways in which we can sacrificially offer ourselves to him.

Spiritual Abandonment of Mary

Holding Nothing Back from Jesus

The essence of spiritual abandonment is holding nothing back from Jesus. It involves surrendering all aspects of our lives to him and placing our trust and faith in his guidance and provision. Mary exemplified this concept through her actions and attitudes. In breaking the alabaster jar and anointing Jesus, she symbolically gave everything she had to him. Her act of pouring out the costly ointment represented her complete surrender to Jesus and her desire to hold nothing back from him. Mary’s example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider areas where we may be holding back from fully surrendering to Jesus.

Trusting in God’s Protection

A key aspect of spiritual abandonment is trusting in God’s protection. Mary understood that true security could not be found in material possessions or worldly resources. Instead, she placed her trust in God’s provision and believed that his protection would be better than anything she could provide for herself or her loved ones. In breaking the alabaster jar and offering its contents to Jesus, Mary displayed her deep trust in God’s faithfulness and acknowledged that her security rested solely in him. Her unwavering trust serves as a powerful example for us as we navigate our own journey of spiritual abandonment.

Obedience to Jesus

Spiritual abandonment also involves obedience to Jesus. Mary’s actions of breaking the alabaster jar and anointing Jesus were driven by her desire to follow Jesus’s teachings and fulfill his purposes. She willingly answered his call and demonstrated her obedience through her sacrificial act. Mary’s obedience challenges us to examine our own lives and consider areas where we may need to align ourselves more closely with Jesus’s will and seek to obediently follow his guidance.

Releasing Loved Ones and Possessions

Lastly, spiritual abandonment requires releasing our loved ones and possessions into God’s hands. Mary’s act of breaking the alabaster jar signified her willingness to release her most valuable possession and offer it entirely to Jesus. In doing so, she demonstrated her belief that God’s protection and provision would far surpass anything she could achieve on her own. Mary’s example encourages us to examine our own attachments and consider the areas where we may need to release our grip and trust in God’s plan for our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

Jesus as the Worthy King

Trusting Jesus as Savior and King

Jesus’s role as Savior and King holds significant implications for our perspective on spiritual abandonment. Recognizing Jesus as our Savior reminds us of his deep love for us and the sacrifice he made for our redemption. This knowledge helps us to trust him and surrender ourselves fully to his will. Additionally, embracing Jesus as our King reorients our understanding of authority and power. We acknowledge that he is God and we are not, allowing us to release our need for control and willingly submit to his guidance and direction.

Contrasting Earthly Kingship

The kingship of Jesus starkly contrasts with that of earthly kings. As we have seen throughout the Old Testament, earthly kings often seek personal gain, build up their own reputations, and accumulate possessions for their own benefit. However, Jesus’s kingship is marked by self-sacrifice and humility. He entered the world not in a palace but in a lowly manger. His life was characterized by service and love, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Embracing Jesus as our worthy King challenges us to evaluate the values and priorities we hold in our own lives and to align them with the example set by Jesus.

Change Through Trusting Jesus

Trusting Jesus as our Savior and King brings about lasting change. When we are deeply rooted in a relationship with him, our perspectives, desires, and behaviors naturally shift. We begin to seek after his will and rely on his strength rather than our own. By trusting in Jesus, our hearts and minds are transformed, and we are empowered to live lives of spiritual abandonment. The change that occurs through trusting Jesus allows us to build a foundation rooted in his love and transforms our relationships, priorities, and desires.

Reliance on God’s Power

Recognizing Jesus as our Savior and King reminds us of our reliance on God’s power. In the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties, we can find strength and security in knowing that God is in control. By embracing Jesus’s kingship and submitting to his authority, we release our need for control and acknowledge that God’s power far surpasses our own. This reliance on God’s power enables us to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and peace, knowing that we are held in the palm of his hand.

Building on God’s Love

Essential Foundation for Spiritual Abandonment

Building on the foundation of God’s love is essential for cultivating a life of spiritual abandonment. Understanding and experiencing the depth of God’s love for us provides the basis for our willingness to surrender all aspects of our lives to him. Without this understanding, our ability to fully trust and rely on God is compromised. Through his sacrificial love, demonstrated through Jesus’s death on the cross, we come to grasp the personal, unconditional, and extravagant nature of God’s love. This understanding propels us towards spiritual abandonment and empowers us to release our grip on control and place our trust in him.

Personal, Unconditional, and Extravagant Love

God’s love is deeply personal, unconditional, and extravagant. It is a love that knows no bounds and embraces us in our brokenness and imperfection. Through his love, God offers us forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. This personal love reminds us that we are known and cherished by our Creator, giving us the confidence to abandon ourselves fully to his care. Embracing God’s unconditional love also frees us from the chains of guilt, shame, and fear, enabling us to live lives of freedom and authenticity. Additionally, God’s love for us is extravagant, surpassing any love we could receive from the world. It is a love that offers abundant grace, mercy, and blessings, encouraging us to trust in his provision and guidance.

Importance of Understanding God’s Love

Understanding God’s love is vital for developing a heart of spiritual abandonment. It is through this understanding that we are able to let go of our own desires and surrender to his will. When we internalize the reality of God’s love, we recognize that his plans for our lives are far greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves. This understanding allows us to release our grip on control and embrace the spiritual heights that God has planned for us. Without a deep understanding of his love, our journey towards spiritual abandonment will be hindered. Therefore, it is essential to continually seek a deeper knowledge and experience of God’s love in order to fully embrace a life of spiritual abandonment.

Delving into God’s Mercy

Feeling Unworthy and Needing Forgiveness

At times, we may feel unworthy and burdened by guilt and shame. In the face of our imperfections and failures, we may question if we are deserving of forgiveness and mercy. However, God’s grace extends far beyond our shortcomings. He offers forgiveness freely and without reservation. When we recognize our need for forgiveness and turn to God with contrite hearts, we encounter his unending mercy that washes away our sins and restores us to a place of wholeness. Understanding our need for forgiveness and embracing God’s mercy is a crucial aspect of spiritual abandonment. It allows us to release the burdens of guilt and shame, knowing that we are fully and unconditionally loved by our Heavenly Father.

God’s Forgiveness and Extending Mercy

God’s forgiveness is unstoppable and infinite. When we come to him with repentant hearts, he graciously forgives us, no matter the extent of our transgressions. His forgiveness is not limited to a specific amount or type of sin; rather, it covers all aspects of our lives. This assurance of forgiveness encourages us to lean into God’s mercy and extend that same mercy to others. Just as we have received forgiveness from God, we are called to forgive those who have wronged us. By embracing God’s forgiveness and extending mercy to others, we open ourselves up to experience the freedom and healing that come from living a life of spiritual abandonment.

Embracing God’s Mercy

Fully embracing God’s mercy requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge our own brokenness. It’s recognizing that we are in need of God’s grace and that we cannot earn or deserve it through our own efforts. God’s mercy is a gift freely offered to all who are willing to receive it. When we embrace this gift, we allow it to penetrate our hearts, transforming us from the inside out. Embracing God’s mercy enables us to let go of our past mistakes and shortcomings and move forward with confidence, knowing that we are continually surrounded by his unfailing love and forgiveness.

Praying to Build Trust

Revealing Reliance on God’s Power

Prayer plays a crucial role in cultivating and strengthening our trust in God. Through prayer, we reveal our reliance on God’s power and acknowledge our need for his guidance and provision. In prayer, we express our desires, hopes, and fears, submitting them to God’s sovereign will. This act of vulnerability and surrender helps to build trust in our relationship with him. By bringing our concerns and desires before God in prayer, we recognize that he is the source of true wisdom, strength, and provision. Prayer is an avenue through which we can deepen our trust in God’s power and learn to lean on him in all circumstances.

Crucial Role of Prayer

Prayer plays a crucial role in our journey of spiritual abandonment. It is through prayer that we align ourselves with God’s will and seek his guidance in every aspect of our lives. Prayer provides us with a direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father, allowing us to express our deepest desires, concerns, and aspirations. Through prayer, we invite God into our hearts and surrender ourselves to his divine plan. It is in the stillness of prayer that we can hear his gentle voice and receive the wisdom and direction we need to navigate life’s challenges and make choices aligned with his will.

Trust-building Prayer

Prayer serves as a trust-building exercise, allowing us to develop a deeper connection with God and strengthen our reliance on his power and provision. As we pour out our hearts before him, we come to understand that we can trust him with our deepest desires, concerns, and fears. By consistently engaging in prayer, we cultivate a habit of surrendering our will to God’s and seeking his guidance in all things. Trust-building prayer involves actively listening for God’s voice and being open to his leading. It requires patience, humility, and a willingness to let go of control and allow God to work in our lives.

Reliance on God’s Help

Asking God to Align Our Desires

To truly embrace spiritual abandonment, we must align our desires with God’s will. This requires seeking his guidance and actively inviting him into the decision-making process. Through prayer, we can ask God to shape our desires and align them with his perfect plan for our lives. When we surrender our own preferences and invite God to work in and through us, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of his blessings and provision. Reliance on God’s help involves acknowledging our need for his guidance and wisdom and actively seeking his will in all aspects of our lives.

Dependency on God’s Assistance

Reliance on God’s help necessitates an acknowledgment of our own limitations and a dependency on his strength and provision. We must recognize that we cannot achieve true spiritual abandonment in our own power. It is through God’s assistance that we can release our grip on control and trust in his guidance. By relying on his assistance, we surrender our need for self-sufficiency and humbly acknowledge that we need God’s help in every area of our lives. As we depend on God’s assistance, we experience His faithfulness and sufficiency, empowering us to live lives of spiritual abandonment.

Wanting What God Wants

Reliance on God’s help also involves wanting what God wants for our lives. This requires a surrendering of our own desires and plans and a willingness to embrace God’s perfect will. When we align our desires with God’s, our hearts are transformed, and our focus shifts from self-centered pursuits to God-centered purposes. Wanting what God wants requires a deep trust in his sovereignty and a surrendering of our own agendas. It involves seeking him in prayer and allowing him to shape our desires and guide our paths. When we want what God wants, we prioritize his will above our own and position ourselves to experience the fullness of his blessings and plans for our lives.

Embracing Spiritual Abandonment

Climbing the Spiritual Heights

Embracing spiritual abandonment is a journey that takes us to the heights of intimacy with God. It involves releasing our grip on control, surrendering our desires and plans, and trusting in God’s perfect guidance and provision. As we climb the spiritual heights, we are challenged to let go of our own expectations and embrace God’s divine plan for our lives. This journey requires a willingness to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain and the cost is great. Embracing spiritual abandonment allows us to experience the fullness of what God has planned for us and positions us to be used by him in powerful and transformative ways.

Experiencing God’s Plan

One of the fruits of spiritual abandonment is the experience of God’s plan unfolding in our lives. As we surrender ourselves to God’s guidance, we position ourselves to receive the blessings and opportunities he has prepared for us. By releasing our own agendas, we make space for God to work in and through us, aligning our lives with his purposes. Experiencing God’s plan involves an intimate relationship with him, characterized by trust, obedience, and surrender. As we walk in spiritual abandonment, we come to realize that his plan is far greater and more fulfilling than anything we could have imagined for ourselves.

Making the Decision

Embracing spiritual abandonment begins with a conscious decision to surrender our lives to God. It is a deliberate choice to release our grip on control, trust in his provision, and follow his guidance. Making this decision requires a willingness to let go of our own desires and plans and embrace God’s will. It is a commitment to seek him above all else and trust that he knows what is best for us. Choosing to embrace spiritual abandonment is not always easy, as it means releasing our own expectations and fears. However, it is a decision that leads to freedom, fulfillment, and a deepening of our relationship with God.

Placing Everything at Jesus’s Feet

At the core of spiritual abandonment is the act of placing everything at Jesus’s feet. It involves surrendering our desires, plans, relationships, possessions, and fears to him. This act of surrender is an act of trust and faith, acknowledging that Jesus is our Savior and King and that he is more than capable of handling every aspect of our lives. Placing everything at Jesus’s feet is a daily practice that reminds us of our reliance on him and positions us to receive his guidance and provision. It is a tangible expression of our commitment to follow him and an act of worship and surrender.

Conclusion

Throughout Mary’s story, we see a beautiful exemplification of spiritual abandonment. Her intuitive actions, sacrificial offerings, and unwavering trust in God serve as an inspiration for us as we navigate our own journey of surrender. By recognizing Jesus as the worthy King, building on the foundation of God’s love, delving into his mercy, and relying on his help, we can fully embrace spiritual abandonment and experience the deep fulfillment and joy that come from surrendering ourselves completely to our Heavenly Father. It is through this act of surrender that we can truly climb the spiritual heights and discover the magnificent plans God has in store for us. May we follow Mary’s example and place everything at Jesus’s feet, entrusting our lives to the hands of the One who loves us unconditionally and desires to guide us into a life of abundant purpose and fulfillment.

Touching the Divine Second Edition focuses on the many qualities of Jesus revealed through the Gospel of John. You will be drawn into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus through this Bible study as you reflect on His life and personality. This video corresponds with lesson 14 in the Touching the Divine study guide, which you can purchase at https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/c…

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