Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 12:1-11 & Psalm 45
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3
So here we are, at the sizeable dinner party in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Without fanfare or announcement, Mary carries in an extremely expensive jar of ointment. As she opens it, its luxurious fragrance fills the entire house. Everyone’s attention is on her now! She pours that year’s-worth-of-wages perfume on Jesus’ feet, and then undoes her hair—in public! in front of men!—socially taboo and disgraceful in Jewish circles.
Mary then wipes the feet of Jesus with her hair. She runs the risk of being scorned. A year’s worth of wages—all for one reason, and for one reason only—to honor her Lord and Savior.
What about us doing something to honor our Lord and Savior—something others might label a waste of time, energy, or money? Why do some among us pledge 5% … 7% … 10% …12% of what we earn? Why do some volunteer to teach Sunday school or care for the church building? Why would an organist spend hours of practice for one or two hours of worship? Why would a teenager spend part of his spring break raking leaves on his Lord’s property? Why all this and more?
The motivation is the same where you live as it was in Bethany—acts of love to honor Jesus. And the more we walk with Him, the more opportunities and avenues He opens to us to honor Him with these and so many more acts of honor and love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, who graciously accepted Mary’s tender act of love, in the same way receive the humble works of our hands and our heart in thanksgiving for Your ultimate act of love for us on Calvary. Amen.
Response
As you give thanks for His great act of love for you, ask Him what acts of love you may perform in His honor today.