Week 44 (3 - 9 Nov): What Devotion Looks Like

As we delved into Matthew 27:57-66 and John 20:1-18 this week, the one question that emerged from our discussion was: what does devotion look like?

In the hours surrounding Jesus's death and resurrection, we see devotion expressed in different ways. Through the actions of Joseph of Arimathea, Mary Magdalene, and the other disciples, we discovered that the expression of one’s faithfulness looks different for each person — yet are equally met by God's grace.

1. Joseph's Devotion

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin, but one who "had not consented to their decision and action" (Luke 23:50-51). At this point in the narrative, he had just witnessed the brutal and unjust execution of someone he regarded as his teacher and perhaps his Lord. The emotional weight must have been overwhelming, but Joseph faced a more pressing task: night was falling, the Passover was about to begin, and Jesus's body hung exposed on the cross (which was prohibited by Jewish law in Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

What Joseph did next was rather radical for a Jewish man of his standing – he went to Pilate and asked for Jesus's body, personally wrapped it and buried it in his own grave. By touching a dead body, Joseph rendered himself ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:11-13), disqualifying himself from participating in the Passover feast—the most significant celebration in the Jewish calendar. For a wealthy, prominent man to personally take on such "dirty work" revealed his humility and willingness to sacrifice.

What we took away from Joseph’s example was that devotion does not have to be complicated. When we are faced with difficult emotions and challenging choices, we can be like Joseph and simply do the next right thing.

2. Mary's Devotion

When John 20 opens, it's still dark, and Mary Magdalene is already on her way to the tomb. Mark's Gospel tells us she and the other women were going to anoint Jesus's body (Mark 16:1). There is a poignant beauty to Mary’s actions – they reveal that she only wanted to be close to him, and sought nothing in return. After all, Jesus could offer her nothing now, no teaching, no miracles, no comfort. Mary's reward for her pure devotion was extraordinary: she became the first witness to the resurrected Christ!

What also stood out to us was that she didn’t immediately recognise Jesus. Perhaps in her grief and shock over the missing body, she mistook him for the gardener at first, and only recognised him when he spoke her name. We reflected on how God does not require us to have perfect understanding or clarity, but persists to reveal himself to us.

What we took away from Mary’s example was that devotion makes time and space for the Lord without seeking to gain anything. The people who linger in God’s presence are often the ones who encounter him most profoundly.

3.  The Other Disciples' Devotion

Besides Peter and John, the other disciples are nowhere to be found in the narrative. They were not at the burial nor the first at the grave, not exactly being “model examples” of devotion. Perhaps they were processing their grief differently, trying to seek the Lord in their own way. We don’t know for sure, but what we do know is that Jesus eventually revealed himself to them all the same. He came to them and met them where they were.

What we took away from the other disciples was that devotion looks different in each individual. Some make sacrifices to meet immediate needs, some sprint to the tomb to search for the Lord, some may be crying out to God in their secret place. God's grace is sufficient for a whole range of human expressions of devotion. Even though the expressions may differ, God sees the intention of the heart and comes to us with love and compassion, even more than we can ask or imagine.

What does devotion look like in our lives? As we prepare for our Christmas celebration this year, I've witnessed faithfulness expressed in countless forms. Some are learning dance moves to perform on stage despite being naturally shy. Children who could be enjoying their post-exam freedom are coming to TAVA to make Christmas cards and bracelets as gifts for attendees.

How might you show your devotion this year end season? Maybe it’s inviting a friend to Be A Star, volunteering to handle logistics, or earnestly interceding for the event and those coming.

"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). Let us trust that as we each do the next right and faithful thing, God will meet us with his presence!

Jordan

(On behalf of RT1)