The well-known psychiatrist and author Elisabeth Kübler-Ross once wrote, “There are really only two emotions: love and fear.” All the emotions we think of as positive flow from love —happiness, contentment, peace, and joy. All the emotions we think of as negative grow out of fear—anger, hatred, anxiety, guilt, and jealousy. In other words, if you feel anger or rage, look beneath the surface and you will find fear. Kübler-Ross suggests it’s more accurate to say there is only love or fear, because we cannot experience them at the same time. If we are in fear, we are not in a place of love. If we are in a place of love, fear cannot dominate us. In 1 John 4:18, we read, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” This tension between love and fear runs through the gospel story.
For roughly three years, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee preaching, teaching, healing, and forming deep relationships with his disciples. His popularity reached a breaking point after he raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. For many, this miracle inspired faith; for others, it stirred fear. Some reported what they had seen to the religious authorities, who gathered to discuss what to do about Jesus. They worried his growing influence would draw Rome’s attention. While the Roman Empire allowed a measure of religious freedom, it responded swiftly and violently to any threat to order. The high priest Caiaphas declared, “It is better for one man to die than for the whole nation to perish.” From that day on, plans were set in motion to take Jesus’ life.
Knowing the danger, Jesus could have run or gone into hiding. Instead, he went to Bethany to stay with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—people he loved deeply—where he found friendship, safety, and belonging. While there, Mary knelt at Jesus’ feet, opened a jar of expensive perfume, and poured it over them. Then, in a deeply intimate and culturally shocking gesture, she let down her hair and wiped his feet with it. Mary risked her reputation, her dignity and public judgment. Judas objected to the extravagance, but Jesus defended her, recognizing her act as a loving anointing that prepared him for what lay ahead. Fear often holds us back, yet Mary chose to act in courageous love. Where might you need to lean away from fear and into courageous love?
-Carol