4 x 6 Plan | Read: John 12:1-19 & 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. (John 12:2-3)
I am a pretty rational person. Most of the time I will think before I act. Helpful in most cases. My actions are thought through well. But sometimes my emotions rise above the surface. Sometimes, when I feel how much I love my wife, I will send her a quick text. An act of love. I sadly have to remind myself to be more aware of any feelings lol.
In this story we see an act of love by Mary. She wants to show her love to Jesus. She bought expensive perfume for Jesus. I may use this as a hint to buy my wife perfume for Valentine’s Day (is perfume expensive? lol). My wife isn’t even a big gifts person but when I think about her and do something, she would feel loved. That was Mary’s reason. She expressed her heart by giving this expensive gift. She wants to show Jesus how much she loves Him. Even though she didn’t need to.
But Judas becomes angry. He questions her motives. He blames her for not spending her money wisely. She could have given the money to poor people. Judas reveals his own motives. He wasn’t interested in helping the poor; he did not do so himself. He was the treasurer and wanted to control the money and keep some for himself.
Like we discussed this past Sunday, loving others the way that Jesus has loved us is the greatest command we can obey. Check your own heart. Check your own motives. Bring them in line with Jesus and love others like He loves us.
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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