Holy Wednesday
Extravagant Love
Mark 14:3-9 (NIV)
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. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Devotion:
In Mark 14:3-9, a woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus, an act of extravagant love. Her bold gesture reminds us that no matter our past mistakes or shortcomings, we can still offer our best to Jesus. He accepts us as we are and delights in our sincere expressions of love.
This woman's story fills us with hope, showing that our love for Jesus can be both extravagant and meaningful, regardless of our circumstances. In a world filled with brokenness and uncertainty, Jesus invites us to come to Him with open hearts, ready to pour out our love and devotion.
Just like this woman, we too can find joy and fulfillment in expressing our love for Jesus in ways that are meaningful to us. As we offer Him our best, He transforms our hearts and fills us with hope for the future.
Reflection Question:
What is one meaningful way you can express your love for Jesus today, knowing that He accepts you just as you are? How does this fill you with hope for the future?
Further Reading:
The events of Holy Wednesday can be found in Mark 14:1-16
Mark 14:3-9 (NIV)
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. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Devotion:
In Mark 14:3-9, a woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus, an act of extravagant love. Her bold gesture reminds us that no matter our past mistakes or shortcomings, we can still offer our best to Jesus. He accepts us as we are and delights in our sincere expressions of love.
This woman's story fills us with hope, showing that our love for Jesus can be both extravagant and meaningful, regardless of our circumstances. In a world filled with brokenness and uncertainty, Jesus invites us to come to Him with open hearts, ready to pour out our love and devotion.
Just like this woman, we too can find joy and fulfillment in expressing our love for Jesus in ways that are meaningful to us. As we offer Him our best, He transforms our hearts and fills us with hope for the future.
Reflection Question:
What is one meaningful way you can express your love for Jesus today, knowing that He accepts you just as you are? How does this fill you with hope for the future?
Further Reading:
The events of Holy Wednesday can be found in Mark 14:1-16