Scripture to Read: John 12:1-19
Today, in John 12:1-19, through John, God gives us another perspective on Christ’s triumphal entry. Before the day of His triumphal entry, we find Jesus in the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (the same Lazarus Jesus raised from the dead in John 11). In John 12, Mary, Martha and Lazarus's sister, took an expensive bottle of perfume and anointed Jesus's feet and then wiped His feet with her hair. To wash the feet of a guest was a cultural norm in the day of Christ, but only the lowliest servant was the foot washer. Mary humbled herself and took the foot washer's role, but instead of using water, Mary used her perfume, which was worth an entire year's wage for a common man. Mary’s humble action angered Judas because Judas was a thief, as we read in John 12:6. Judas even tried to sound righteous by saying that the perfume could have been sold and the money could have been used to help the poor. Jesus rebuked Judas and told him to leave Mary alone because the rest of the perfume could be used for His burial. Jesus knew His death was just a few days away, so He mentions His burial. He also reminds Judas that the poor will always be there even after He is gone. We must guard our hearts and be sure the works we do for our Lord are as genuine and humble as Mary’s. We must guard against hypocrisy and worship our Lord in spirit and truth. Our Lord deserves our best.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about offering your best to our Lord every day?
2. How are you living your life and using your gifts, talents, and resources to honor our Lord Jesus Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!