John 12:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 12Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. Verse 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Verse 3Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Verse 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, Verse 5"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Verse 6(He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Verse 7Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. Verse 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
Devotion
How normal it seems to spend our wages on cars, clothes, houses and material possessions. We live to hold onto as many “toys” as possible. We value so many things that keep us hungry. Then along comes Jesus with a promise of new life. What would you give to be in the presence of the one who died for you? How are your resources given up to God? Mary took her expensive oil and poured it on Jesus’ feet while knowing that there was absolutely nothing in this world to which she could give her life that had more value.
Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for the promise of everlasting life. Strengthen our hearts to give to you. Amen.