Holy Week Devotionals: Holy Monday

Read John 12:1-11

By Associate Pastor of Youth and Missions/Outreach Lindsey Odom

Summary of Scripture Passage: Mary prepared Jesus’ for his burial by anointing Jesus with very expensive perfume. The perfume that Mary used to anoint Jesus’ feet cost a year’s wages. Mary wanted to express her love, gratitude, and adoration to Jesus, but Judas Iscariot, who was one of Jesus’ disciples, breaks in and objects to the perfume being used in that way. Despite this, Jesus allows it to occur as he looks toward his death and expresses an opportunity to serve the poor through Mary’s actions. In affirming Mary’s gift, Jesus makes an interesting and profound statement: “You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” In the same way that a relationship with Jesus is vital, so is our response to taking care of each other, especially those in need.

Reflection:

• As we enter Holy Week, what can we learn from Mary’s actions? Can we be like Mary who offered her costly treasure?
• Does what Jesus say in verses 7 & 8 surprise you? What do you think he means by what he says?

Verse 7-8: Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

• What do you think is the point of this story? What might Jesus be trying to teach us through it?
• The Scripture passage says, “you will always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me (v. 8).”
  • So, what is our responsibility to taking care of those in need? How does our devotion to Christ lead us to care of the poor and those in need?