Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way

Read Matthew 26:6-13

THE BACKSTORY:

On Tuesday of Holy Week, after traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus went to rest at a friend’s house in Bethany. As Jesus was sitting with His friends, something really special happened. A woman, Mary of Bethany, came to Him and did something unexpected. She poured an expensive jar of perfume over Jesus’ head.

The disciples didn’t understand why Mary would waste such expensive perfume, but Jesus defended Mary. This wasn’t a waste – it was a generous act of worship! But why did Mary pour a jar of perfume over Jesus’ head? What did it mean?  

This act of pouring perfume over someone’s head was a special way to honor a king, called anointing. Mary was a friend of Jesus and wanted to honor Him for who He was: the Son of God, our King!

This special act of pouring perfume is also a special way to prepare a body for a funeral. Mary anointed Jesus with perfume just a few days before His death on the cross. Without knowing this, Mary was honoring Jesus and helping prepare Jesus for His death, for the three days He lay in the tomb, and for when He was raised from the dead as our eternal King!  

Mary’s love for Jesus was so strong that she was willing to give the very best of what she had to honor Him. We can honor Jesus with our actions, too! And when we are changed by God’s love, our actions and our stories can help show others who Jesus is!  

LIFE APPLICATION:

• Take some time and sit at the feet of your Savior today.
  
• Write a thank you note to God to share your gratitude for who He is and what He has done. Keep the note in your Bible and a reminder.
  

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, You deserve all our praise and worship! Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to be our King. Help me give You my best in all I do, even when others don’t understand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.