Saturday
John 12:1-11

Mary Anoints Jesus

Mary had been paying attention. Unlike her sister, Mary was a student. To her, all of the busyness of life had to come to a complete halt when Jesus was in the room. Could it be she was the only one who knew what was about to happen to him? Based on her actions and the inaction of everyone else, the answer might very well be, “Yes!” But her actions went so far beyond a demonstration of what she knew— her actions became one of the greatest acts of worship ever recorded (see Matthew 26:13).

Warren Wiersbe wrote, “When Mary came to the feet of Jesus, she took the place of a slave. When she undid her hair (something Jewish women did not do in public), she humbled herself and laid her glory at his feet (see 1 Corinthians 11:15). Of course, she was misunderstood and criticized, but that is what usually happens when somebody gives his or her best to the Lord.”

There are so many stupid “challenges” issued every year on social media—people shove cinnamon in their mouths, douse themselves with buckets of ice water, plank, dance, stand completely still, flip water bottles—I could go on and on. Well, I have a challenge for you: sometime before Easter Sunday, I dare you to find a way to extravagantly worship Jesus as Mary did in today’s passage. You don’t need to record it on social media—please don’t. Just remember: to follow Mary’s example, your act of worship . . .

1. Should NOT “cost you nothing.”
2. Must require you to humble yourself in order to glorify Christ.
3. Might cause you to be misunderstood and/or criticized.