How can we best honor Jesus?
In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her. Matthew 26:12-13
Lord Jesus,
How often we,
like the disciples,
have different values than yours.
They were alarmed that Mary had anointed your head
with her expensive ointment (Matthew 26:6-7; John 12:3).
Religious and practical,
they called her sacrifice “a waste,”
saying the ointment could have been sold
and the money given to the poor (Matthew 26:8).
(Judas was disgusted because he wanted to sell it
and take the money for himself (John 12:6).
You disagreed, telling the disciples,
“she has done a beautiful thing for me” (Matthew 26:10).
You knew you would soon die,
and your followers’ opportunity
to enjoy and honor you in person
would come to an end.
Save us, Lord, from our self-made plans to serve you.
Draw us to your feet, to see you as Mary did,
to know your desires as Mary did,
and to love you “impractically” as Mary did.
Grow our enjoyment of you,
so that we will delight in your presence
and focus our lives fully on you.
In our devotion to you,
may we show the world the good news
of your sacrifice for us.
In your worship-worthy name. Amen.
Read Matthew 26:6-16.
