John 12:1-11

Be Still: Lord, I surrender all distraction. Still my heart and mind so I can hear you speak. Remind me of the depth of your sacrificial love for me. Fill me with your presence in this moment. Amen.

 Read: John 12:1-11

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume… But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected …. 'Leave her alone,' Jesus replied. (v 3-7) 

 Encounter: Years ago, a work colleague pulled me into a meeting room, to ‘let me know about myself’'. I think she was having a bad day and needed someone to take it out on. I could feel myself getting frustrated, but just before I opened my mouth, a director in the room said that what she was saying about my character was absolutely not true.

Now, if I’m honest, that was the kindness of the Lord, because at that moment I had a thing or two (or three) to retort to my colleague. However, to hear someone see my actions for what they were, and to defend me in that moment, gave me the confidence to not internalise the words being spoken over me.

In John 12, Mary had poured an expensive perfume at the feet of Jesus, an act of worship symbolising her devotion to him. And yet Judas, masking his greed, criticises her. In Mark 14, we read others joined in too. Mary’s act was publicly scrutinised and misunderstood.

I wonder how she felt – whether shame crept in, or maybe like me she felt a need rising to defend herself. But before she even gets there, Jesus defends her, silencing the accusations. Jesus does the same thing for us too. He sees beyond outward appearance, the misunderstandings, the opinion of others and he looks straight at our heart. He’s the one that knows whether our motives are sincere or not. What he thinks about the things we say and do is what matters most.

There are so many voices surrounding us, in our society, workplaces, families, or cultures. At times these are healthy, sharpening us to be more and more like who God calls us to be. The hope is that these voices align with what Jesus has to say, but when they don’t, his voice must take priority. 

Apply: Find a verse in scripture that describes who God says you are and hold on to it this week.

Devote: Lord teach me to value what you have to say above all else.As I journey through Holy Week toward Resurrection Sunday, remind me that your love for me has the final word.