The Christian calendar calls the week we are in “Holy Week.” Today we invite you to look at some of the relational moments Jesus experienced leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection.
Find a quiet place. Read the passage slowly, savorly, even more than once. Imagine yourself in the scene. As you read, what are the sights, sounds, and smells that stand out for you? Who are the people in the passage that you feel invited to pay attention to and meditate on?
Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.
Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.”
Word got out among the Jews that he was back in town. The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus but also at Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. So the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him. (John 12:1-11 MSG)
Thoughts to ponder…
- What stands out about Mary’s relationship with Jesus?
- What do Judas’ words say to you about his relationship with Jesus?
- Are you more like Mary, Judas, Lazurus, Martha, or someone in the crowd observing how Jesus relates to all of them?
Talk to God now about how this passage strikes you. Tell God what you are hoping for your relationship to be like. Ask for God’s grace and help to see what it might cost you to have what you desire.
Together we pray:
As Judas’ motives are clear, I pray that you will show any impure motive in me and forgive me for using You for my own purposes. Just as Mary poured out expensive oil and anointed you for burial, may I love you without considering cost or reputation. Grant me the grace to participate in your plan even when I know nothing about it. I draw close to You, your love, and Your purposes. Amen