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Scriptures: John 12:3 (NIV) – “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” Philippians 3:8 (NIV) – “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” Message: Mary poured a pound of expensive oil worth one year’s wages on Jesus’ feet. This astounding sacrifice may have been her total life savings. In ancient Palestine, feet were filthy after walking down dirt roads in sandals. Mary wiped the dirt off with her hair. In those days, a woman’s glory was her hair. Our glory is what gives us success, or makes us proud. Mary believed that even the dirt off Jesus’ feet was more precious than her glory. Our glory can be many things. Maybe we value our looks, intelligence, experiences, money, or power. Do any of those things actually give us glory? No. But they may hold us back from worshipping Jesus with everything we have and all that we are. Mary worshiped completely with all her treasure and left nothing on the table for her own glory. She gave all she owned and all she was. We need to do the same. We need to repent of loving anything else above God. We need to fast from those things which we hold too close. Give ourselves completely to God and release our grip on our valued treasures. Worship by extravagantly pouring out to Jesus, giving Him whatever is most valuable to us. This will prepare our hearts as we look forward to Lent and for the Easter joy of receiving Jesus’ sacrifice and miraculous resurrection. Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for times I valued other people and things above You. Strengthen me to give everything to You for Your glory alone. Embolden me to consider everything a loss compared to the joy and treasure of knowing You. Prepare my heart to rejoice fully in the resurrection of my Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen.
Mary Schilling -
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Revised: November 06, 2025 |
