Summary
The cold open of this episode shows us a Jewish family, almost a thousand years before our primary story, celebrating Shabbat. This emphasizes how important (and ancient) this tradition is to the Jewish people. Back in the present, several of our characters are preparing for Shabbat dinner. Nicodemus is informed of Mary’s healing, so he requests to investigate the incident himself to avoid news spreading to Jerusalem. While questioning Mary, Nicodemus discovers that her healing was due to another man, not his own attempted exorcism. Feeling unsure about the new alliance formed between Simon and Quintus, Matthew tells Quintus of his suspicions towards Simon. Impressed by his steadfastness and intelligence, Quintus makes Matthew his confidant and tells him to keep and eye on Simon to see if he is fulfilling his end of the bargain. The tension between Andrew and Simon continues to grow. Andrew tells Simon that if he goes through with his betrayal, he will bring a curse upon himself. While hosting Shabbat dinner, Mary is visited by the man who healed her, who reveals his name as Jesus of Nazareth.
Michael’s Insight
There is a sentiment in this episode that is felt by pretty much anybody who has encountered Jesus, or accepted Him into their heart: “I was one way, and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between… was Him.” This is what anyone searching for Christ longs for; a radical transformation to their spirit that will lead them on a path of righteousness. We hope to be the people at Mary’s Shabbat dinner, who have placed their focus on giving thanks to God. Some people wonder whether they are worshiping the wrong things, like Nicodemus. Many are stubborn, prideful, and unwilling to get out of their own way, like Matthew. And others are diverted away from God by the worries and stresses of everyday life, like Simon. It is not until after these individuals encounter Jesus that they are able to let go of these earthly troubles. When we are able to place our focus on Christ’s love, we too can achieve a spiritual transformation that will irreversibly change our lives. Once our hearts have gone through this change, we are always able to find our way back to God no matter how far we stray. Because our lives now no longer center around ourselves, but Him.
Megan’s Insight
Picture yourself for a minute as Mary Magdalene in her home. You are anxious hosting your first Shabbat and you have already welcomed two kind strangers. There is a knock. It is the man that saved you, standing at your door.
I love this moment at the end of the episode. Mary is speechless and unsure of what to do. We get a glimpse of the playful humanity of Jesus when He asks if He may come in then interacts with the other guests, particularly Barnaby. In Jewish culture, if a rabbi were present, he would always lead the Shabbat prayers. In this episode we see Jesus insist that Mary lead the prayers in her home. He is about to do something different.
Jesus does knock on our door, the door of our hearts. Like at Mary’s door, He doesn’t barge in. He waits patiently for an invitation. I think there are several ways we can respond to this knock. I would like to think that I confidently welcome Jesus in, like an old friend. That is the goal in my prayer life anyway. Other times I know I am not so hospitable. I ask Him to wait while I frantically tidy up, hide my “mess” in the closet, or tend to a screaming child. Worse of all, some days I pretend to not be home. I hide in the corner, away from the window. I want to be like Mary. It might be a little awkward and uncomfortable at first, but I want to open the door to Jesus confidently and welcome Him in.
Mitchell’s Insight
I love the presentation of Mary in this episode following the miraculous healing at the end of the series premiere. She is no longer tormented by the many demons attacking her soul, and she is free to begin a new spiritual journey. What is she going to do first? She is going to welcome people into her home to break bread together. Mary’s response to the freedom that Jesus has given her is not to go shout on street corners (probably not acceptable in the times), but rather to welcome the Jewish community into her home for the Shabbat meal. The creators also do a great job of first showing Barnaby and Shula who seem to be Mary’s friends then Thaddeus and Little James who are strangers and, after Mary has opened her home to these other people, Jesus himself joins. This is a wonderful depiction of the Bible passage, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
My wife and I have made a concerted effort to invite others into our home for meals. It gives us an opportunity to show hospitality. We can pray over our food and give thanks for nourishment and fellowship. Our children can often spend time with other kids and form friendships. Since we have begun doing this with fellow parishioners and co-workers, we have begun forming deeper friendships and found a community where we belong.
Take to Prayer
When have you put other priorities above honoring the Sabbath? Have you ever contemplated what ‘resting’ on the Sabbath is beyond just not physically working?
Bible Verses to Read
Genesis 2:1-3
Exodus 20:8-11
Isaiah 58:13-14