A Journey with Jesus during Lent
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
A Journey with Jesus during Lent
Day 1
Matthew 26:6-13
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.
Do you know the saying, “Dance like nobody’s watching”? In other words, dance with all you’ve got! Move big! Don’t worry about what others think. Just dance. In our initial reading for Lent today we are given an example of what worshipping Jesus looks like when it’s done in a totally devoted, extravagant way.
Jesus went to Bethany (6 days before the Passover) to spend time with His friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. During His visit, Mary anointed his feet with costly perfume. She used something that was valuable to her to honor Jesus. It was the best she had to offer and she willingly poured it out as an act of worship and devotion to Jesus. This was an act of humility that showed her willingness to serve him. We too can worship Jesus, our Friend and Savior with a Mary heart. We don’t have to use expense perfumes or oils, but we can give all of ourselves to Him.
Jesus died on the cross for us, for our salvation. Shouldn’t we offer him a sacrifice of worship and praise? Shouldn’t we show Him we love Him with our soul, mind, strength and heart?
Let’s start this journey off right…worship like nobody’s watching!
What’s one thing you can do today to show your love for our Savior and worship Him in a new, different, or selfless way? Are you willing to do something or give something up for Him?
Dear Jesus,
We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.
Week 1 Act of Kindness
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,” Matthew 25:35a
This week, donate food to a food bank or a homeless shelter.