Easter Devotion: Extravagant Love (Day 8)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

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.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

 John 12:1-8

Discuss 

1) Mary, Martha and Lazarus decided to give a dinner party, possibly celebrating how Lazarus had been raised from the dead. Who was the dinner given to honor?

2) How did Mary choose to honor Jesus?

3) Why was this so special?

4) Who was upset about it and why?

5) What did Jesus say to him?

6) What can we learn, from Mary's example, about loving Jesus?

Final Thought 

Mary was overwhelmed with her love for Jesus. She could have used the perfume for herself, maybe her wedding, or sold it, but she saw Jesus as more important. When she wiped his feet with her hair, she did the job of a servant. But Mary also did something else. Anointing was normally done to kings or very important people. Mary knew that Jesus was important and so, she anointed Him. What is a way that you can show Jesus that He is more important to you than the things you have?

Prayer 

Thank Jesus for His incredible love for us, a love that sent Him to the cross. Ask Him to help us love Him more than anything else in the world. 

Song - Lord, You are More Precious than Silver

Lord, You are more precious than silver.

Lord, You are more costly than gold.

Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,

And nothing I desire compares to You.

Who can weigh the value of knowing You?

Who can judge the worth of who You are?

Who can count the blessings of loving You?

Who can say just how great You are?

Here is a link for the music: Lord, You are

For further study 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*