Today's Readings: New Testament -
John 12:1-11
Philippians 2:12-18
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:137-144
2 Kings 10-11
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: John 12:4-8
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
Insight:
Jesus and his disciples were apparently frequent guests in the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. On this occasion, six days before the Passover, it's not hard to see why he was the guest of honor. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead.
In the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke we read about an earlier occasion when Jesus and his disciples visited their home. Even back then, Martha was busy with all the preparations and wanted everything to be just right. Can you imagine what kind of dinner and preparations she must have made for Jesus now that he had raised her brother from the dead?
In Luke's account of the earlier visit, Mary sat at Jesus' feet as a devoted disciple—enjoying his presence and absorbing his every word and insight. Now that her brother's life had been restored, can you understand why she would now express her love and devotion with such extravagance and effusiveness?
Response & Action:
Mary and Martha recognized the power and life and redemption Jesus had to offer. They had experienced it in a very personal and dramatic way. Their faith was vibrant and growing.
In recognizing who Jesus was, they also recognized that the proper response of faith was to hold back nothing. This is in stark contrast to Judas, who despite being a companion of Jesus, failed to recognize who he was, and therefore failed to see the beauty and appropriateness of lavish and reverent love and worship Mary gave.
I want to see Jesus for who he is. I want to be overwhelmed by the recognition of his power, grace, and promise. I want to overflow extravagant thanks—to be lavish in my love for him.
O God, give me eyes to see Jesus. Open my eyes to his resurrection work in my life. Overwhelm me with the recognition that he is my hope, my life, and my all. Forgive me for the times I hold back and hoard for myself. Save me from the self-deception that fails to see the difference between wastefulness and worship. Give me the wisdom to see how selfishness opposes true faith and worship. Give me the eyes, the heart, and the mind to see Jesus. Move me to wholehearted, openhanded, unreserved, and munificent response. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 12:1
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Resources:
40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
by Scot McKnight
