Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 8, 2022: SOAP #4478:  Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 15:40 Some women were watching [the crucifixion of Jesus] from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there…. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

OBSERVATION: The women had no responsibility in the events of the day.  They were not a necessary part of the narrative.  They had no power to intervene.  They could not change a thing.  It would have happened exactly the same if they were not there. 

But they were there!  It was a ministry of presence.  They stood available.  They were willing to be seen in support of Jesus.  They saw Him die.  They saw His body taken down from the cross.  They noted “where He was laid.”   

Reading a few verses into chapter 16 we find the reward for such a ministry.  They were the first to witness the empty tomb and receive a message for the disciples.  The ministry of presence brought Mary Magdalene to be the first to see the risen Jesus! 

APPLICATION: Sometimes all I have is the ministry of presence.   I do not know what to say; I do not know what to do; but my presence says I care.  My presence sometimes gives an open door to say a word of cheer, congratulations, encouragement, or comfort.  It may provide the opportunity to do a small deed of kindness.  My words and/or deeds may soon be forgotten, but they will remember my presence—they will remember that I was there. 

NOTE:  I think about this ministry in the ways Jesus ministers to me.  His presence means so much!   His presence says so much to me.  It says He is with me and He is aware of my struggle. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I cannot describe the value of your presence in my life.  Knowing that you will never leave me, nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6) causes courage to flood my heart and mind.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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