Wednesday: A beautiful thing
Today's focusA woman pours costly ointment on Jesus at Bethany; when others complain of waste, Jesus calls it a beautiful act preparing him for burial.
Read
6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. 8But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? 9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. 10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Reflection
In this passage, a woman approaches Jesus with an "alabaster box of very precious ointment." Her act of devotion is extravagant and deeply personal. While others look at the cost and cry out, "To what purpose is this waste?" Jesus sees the heart behind the gift. He protects her from their criticism, asking, "Why trouble ye the woman?" In a world that often measures value by utility or money, Jesus recognizes the beauty of a gift given out of pure love.
Jesus explains that this woman has "wrought a good work" upon Him, specifically preparing His body "for my burial." While the disciples are concerned with the practical use of the ointment, Jesus points to the unique moment they are in, noting, "me ye have not always." This encounter reminds you that your acts of devotion are never a waste in His eyes. Even when others do not understand your sacrifice or the way you choose to honor Him, Jesus sees the beauty in your offering. He honors this woman’s kindness, promising that her story will be told as a "memorial of her" wherever the gospel is shared.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What would extravagant love for Jesus look like for you — something given freely without counting the cost?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are worthy of my best. Like the woman at Bethany, let me pour out my love on you without holding back. Help me not to fear what others think.