HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27th

Grace James, Women’s Minister

Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9

As we commemorate Holy Week, we’ve been journeying together through some of the events that lead up to Christ’s death on the cross. We are now with Jesus as He arrived to the house of Simon the leper. Mary came to Jesus and brought an alabaster flask with very expensive ointment, and she poured it on His head. The response Mary received from the disciples was of indignance because they thought she was wasting her expensive ointment. The disciples said it could have been sold for a large sum of money and given to the poor. However, Jesus lovingly steps in and defends Mary’s action and tells His disciples what she has done is a beautiful thing for Him. He teaches them that the poor will always be with them, but He will not always be there. Remember, back in Matthew 20:18-19 Jesus instructed the disciples “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Mind you, this was Jesus’ third time predicting His death to the disciples. The disciples were so wrapped up in the things of this world that they completely missed the point that what Mary was doing; preparing Jesus’ body for His burial to fulfill the prophecy of Jesus’ death on the cross.

Mary’s concerns were not of this world as she knew and anticipated His death and did what was needed. Remember, this is Mary who was the sister of Lazarus who were loved by Jesus (John 11:5.) Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44). Can you imagine the love and gratitude she had for Jesus knowing that He had raised her brother from the dead? The expensive ointment that she poured on Jesus showed the love and devotion that she had for Him. As it was customary in ancient times to anoint the head of a King, Mary showed honor to Jesus by pouring oil on His head because Jesus is the King of all Kings! By using this costly fragrant oil, Mary showed the great value she placed on Jesus’ death as part of the plan of salvation for you and me.

As you reflect on this devotional, ponder on these things:

1.          What type of things do you find yourself getting wrapped up with in this world? (Matthew 6:19-24, 25-34) Take a moment to pray and surrender these momentarily things to our Lord.

2.          Reflect on the times that Jesus has met you in time of need as he did with Mary. (John 11:1-44) Take a few moments to praise him.

3.          In what ways do you show honor, value, and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ? (Psalm 29:1-2, Matthew 22:37-38, Colossians 3:17) Take time this week to find ways to show honor, value, and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ.