I doubt that Mary was expecting people to shame her when she poured ointment over Jesus’ head to honor Him. (John 12 makes it clear the woman was Mary, Lazarus’s sister—who had good reason to be grateful to Jesus!) She was only thinking of one thing—How can I show Jesus how much I love Him?—and nothing else mattered to her. Who cared how it looked to others?
And what was Jesus thinking of, when He allowed His life to be poured out on the altar of the cross? How much He loved the Father, who had sent Him. How much He loved us, the ones He was saving. His death and resurrection were a gift of love that would save us all. The shame didn’t matter.
WE PRAY: Lord, let Your love help me when other people shame me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What is a specific thing you have done to show someone you loved them?
* Have people ever shamed you for something that was good?
* How does Jesus help you when you feel ashamed or embarrassed?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.