Enemies are trying to take His life. Jesus knows He will soon voluntarily give it to redeem us. In dire need of refuge, He walks two miles to his friends’ house.
They welcome Him into their space and greet Him with a kiss. They wash His feet and show Him a comfortable place to sit. They release their plans and give Him their time and attention. They make dinner which takes hours to prepare. Later, everyone gathers around the table and lingers over the delightful smells, sights, and tastes of a filling meal.
After dinner Mary slips silently from the room. She returns with some expensive ointment. Resolved to use more than words to express her inexpressible appreciation for Jesus, she opens the jar and spoons some out with her fingers. She massages it into His dry, cracked feet.
Everyone is taken in by her actions. Not a person there is unaffected by her wholehearted giving and the remarkable, soothing fragrance which fills the entire house. Some become uncomfortable and critical. They say they’re thinking of the poor – the ointment could have been sold, given to the needy.
But Jesus accepts, and even condones, her extravagant action. He says, “Leave her alone.” Why?
It’s not about poverty or the money. It’s about knowing Him well enough to acknowledge what He’s given. It’s about pouring out love and thanks because He receives you just as you are. What can you give in this moment — because this moment is all you have?
Lord Jesus Christ, open the locked up parts of ourselves so that we may be able to express our love and thanks to you in both our words and our actions. Amen.
Go Deeper — Is there a specific way you can express love for Jesus today?
Photo Credit: Jesse Belleque