Day 4: HOLY WEDNESDAY
Scripture
MATTHEW 26:6-16
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Devotion
When I read through this passage, I am struck by the question, “Why this waste?” As a Christian, I find myself wondering “What believer would question such a pure act? Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to bless the body of Jesus? And to put it more simply, how could doing anything for Jesus be considered a waste? Yet, the question is asked, “Why this waste?” and the woman stands accused.
As a reader, it feels hard to not notice the irony in the disciples walking with Jesus day-in and day-out yet still not grasping his true value. It just seems so clear, especially to those of us seated on the other side of Jesus’ finished works. We’re completely tuned in with the woman, and we’re in utter disbelief at Judas. I imagine if the woman with the expensive ointment could answer the question, she’d confidently respond, “Waste? No waste here. Just a small sacrifice for the one who is worth it . . . the one who is completely worthy of my attention, worship, and reverence. Indeed he's worth the best that I have to offer!” And rightfully so, we rejoice with her.
To this question today, I believe we can also boldly proclaim that there is absolutely no waste in bringing our best to Jesus, in being misunderstood for his sake, in prioritizing spiritual gain over earthly gain. Both the woman and Judas are dealing in the value of Jesus, but unfortunately, only one of them truly gets it and reaps the rewards. Only the woman understands that Jesus’ value extends far beyond what money can offer and that absolutely no amount of money measures up to who this man is. Sadly, Judas is too distracted by worldly gain and therefore completely misses the wasting away of his own soul. In light of these events, we are invited to scrutinize self-interest and give Jesus what he is due, which is our everything.
Question for reflection
If someone were to look at the sacrifices you’ve made for Jesus and ask, “Why this waste,” what would you say in response?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to not grow weary in doing good, knowing that your rewards are eternal. Help us to remember that absolutely nothing we do for you is a waste, even the things that we do for you and feel uncertain about. Thank you Father God that in all things you work for our good. We know that our giving pales in comparison to your sacrifice, and without you Jesus there is nothing left for us but ruin. We bow down in awe and reverence, pouring out our very best for you. For you are worthy Jesus! In your name, amen.
written by Diamond Glaze
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Family Devotional
Holy Wednesday: Mark 14:1-9
As you read the passage you can have children draw something that they think is very expensive. After finishing their drawing have the children show what they drew and maybe even estimate a cost. Ask your children some questions about the story: In the story what was the expensive thing that the woman had? What did she do with it? What did some people think about this? What did Jesus say about this?
You can continue: Why did the woman do this? It was her act of worship. Worship is a way of saying thank you God and remembering that He is powerful, loving, and good. Did you know God gave you something expensive to worship Him with? It is your body! You are priceless and He has given you the ability to worship Him by singing, dancing, bowing, drawing, and many other ways.
Put on a worship song and worship together for a song.