Today’s Picture: Mary annoints the feet of Jesus by James Tissot
The Teachings of Jesus: Gracious Receiving
The family are celebrating the life of Lazarus, given back from death through Jesus.
It is such a human gesture to have a meal with friends to celebrate a joyful event.
Then Mary, in an extravagant gesture, rubs expensive perfumed oil on to Jesus’ feet.
Judas challenges this action—why waste money on Jesus’ feet,
there are much better causes to spend money on.
Jesus supports Mary; he knows this gesture comes from a heart that loves deeply.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: I come before the Creator of the Universe, the Father, the Mother, who loves me dearly. I ask that my prayer is according to God’s will.
The Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: For the gift of a loving heart that doesn’t count the cost.
The Setting: Imagine you are in the room as one of the characters.
Which person in the story fits you best? See the story from their point of view.
John 12:1-8 HCSB
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was,
the one Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there;
Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him.
Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil—pure and expensive nard—anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair.
So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was about to betray Him, said,
“Why wasn’t this fragrant oil sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?”
He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief.
He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.
Jesus answered, “Leave her alone;
she has kept it for the day of My burial.
For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words about whatever has come up for you.
Final prayer: Finish with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Today’s Music: Said Judas to Mary (Sydney Carter) sung by Michele Troy and John Brothers
Click for more songs of Sydney Carter