The Anointing
The following Holy Week devotion provides Scriptural texts we can meditate on as a church congregation, in concert with the sermon series each week, to gain a deeper understanding of our sin, a closer look at the beauty of Christ, and the power of the Gospel that saves and redeems.
Scripture
3While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. 6“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Meditate
Take a few moments to quietly reflect on this truth.
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ means total, unconditional surrender of anything else that can be a barrier to faith. This passage teaches us that Jesus Christ is more valuable than any of our earthly treasures because the closer we get to Jesus, we see how much He treasures His people; He died for us.
Pray
Speak this prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and mind.
Father, we are grateful that you sent your own Son, who gave up His own status and security to reconcile us to you. By Your Holy Spirit, please give us the power to lay down our lives out of loving devotion to Jesus because of His loving devotion to His people. Teach us to share in the pattern of Christ’s life, suffering, death, and resurrection as an honor to You. Amen.
Apply
Consider specific ways you can live out this truth today.
In this season of reflecting on the life and sacrifice of Jesus, practice radical giving to the degree that you are moved by the radical generosity of Christ.
Memorize
Carry this truth with you throughout your day.
9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
