In Two Days’ Time
Opening Prayer
Jesus, speak to my heart today as I study Your Word.
Read Mark 14:1–11
[1] Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. [2] “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” [3] While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of 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. [4] Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? [5] It 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. [7] The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. [8] She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. [9] Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” [10] Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. [11] They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What have You given to Jesus?Everyone has their mind fixed on the Passover Feast due to take place in two days’ time. Many people have come to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast that marked the Jewish deliverance from physical and political slavery in Egypt many years earlier, but the people in our reading have their eyes fixed on Jesus. The chief priests want to arrest Jesus; Judas plans to betray him; but the woman comes to the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, where Jesus was staying, to worship him and anoint his head with perfume—a very costly act. She is criticized by those watching, but Jesus commends her, saying that she did what she could—she has prepared his body for burial. Jesus knew all that lay ahead of him—the cross that would bring spiritual freedom to people around the world. What this woman did to Jesus would be told around the world as part of his story. The religious authorities want to kill Jesus, and Judas plans to betray him, but this unnamed woman wants to worship and honor him, whatever it costs. She did what she could.
Apply
Thank God for those who faithfully worship and honor the Lord despite criticism and opposition.
Closing prayer
Lord, empower me to do what I can to share the good news with those around me.
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