John 12:1-11 (NLT) Jesus Anointed at Bethany
12 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate [reclined] with him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
9 When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11 for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
Pause in his presence
Lenten Reflection: Jesus—the Light of Truth—is welcome in the home of his friends; they love him and find ways to worship and serve their Lord and King. Mary anoints the feet of Jesus; the fragrance of the King fills the house. They enjoy the presence of peace as they listen to their Creator share his heart and love for them. Jesus came as the glorious ray of Truth humanity needed in order to walk out of the darkness and into the love of God. Unfortunately, when we do not humble ourselves, repent of sin, and turn from our wicked ways, we seek to diminish the Light. In fact, darkness always deals with the Truth in one way…it seeks to kill it. Welcome Jesus into the home of your heart and let him speak Truth to your soul. Let the fragrance of the King linger upon you.
Prayer: Lord, may the fragrance of you, my King, permeate my home, my heart, and my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.