Free Spiritual Growth Daily Devotions

TUESDAY, 11 APRIL 2023

TEXT: Mark 14:1-11

1: Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.

2: “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

3: 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.

4: Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?

5: It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

6: “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

7: The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

8: She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

9: Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

10: Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.

11: They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: GIVE HIM YOUR BEST

Jesus was in Bethany having a meal with Simon the Leper, His host. Suddenly, this young lady walked in and began pouring very expensive perfume on His head. According to John 12:3, this young woman was Mary, the sister of Lazarus who was raised from the dead.

John clearly noted how Judas Iscariot objected to what she did, claiming the perfume could have been sold (since it was worth a whole year's wages) and the proceeds used to help the poor. The disciples also thought it was a waste of money.

There are times when people will not understand the quality and extent of your devotion to Jesus which you may demonstrate in the huge and unprecedented sacrifices and offerings you make.

Some of your closest associates might even think that you have gone out of your mind. But when a believer understands the depth, width and height of the love and grace of Jesus to you, only your best to Him can satisfy your heart.

QUESTION: What is the best thing you are willing to surrender as your act of worship to Jesus for His love and grace towards you?

PRAYER: Here I stand, dear Lord Jesus Christ, and completely offer my life, body, soul and spirit to You. Take me and use me for Your glory, now and forever. Amen.