Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with Him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:1-3)
It looks like giving a dinner party was Lazarus' family's way of thanking Jesus. Martha seems to have used her gifts at cooking and serving—no surprise there. Lazarus was at the table with Jesus. But Mary—what could she do? Something very dramatic—pouring extremely valuable perfume over Jesus' feet, and wiping them with her hair. John tells us that Mary's thankful love was obvious to everyone in smelling distance!
We too have a lot to be thankful for. Jesus has given Himself into death for our sakes, all to forgive us and make us new as children of God. Now that He has risen from the dead, He gives us new everlasting life—starting now, and coming to full bloom when He raises our bodies from death on the day He returns. This is how Jesus loves us—and how can we help but love Him back?
WE PRAY: Lord, show me how I can love and thank You in my daily life. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When you are feeling grateful, do your actions tend to be quieter like Martha's, or dramatic like Mary's?
* What kinds of things might you do to thank Jesus and show that you love Him?
* If other people "smell out" your actions of love, what might be the result?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 17-18 Mark 9:1-29
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"