Today’s Scripture: Matthew 26:12-13; Luke 9:24-25; Acts 1:15-20
When Jesus defended this woman’s act of devotion, He added, “Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” And, here we are today still talking about what she did.
Jesus said something else—that by pouring out the perfume on His body, she was preparing Him for burial. I have a hunch this woman didn’t realize the significance of her act of worship. This event took place just days before Jesus was crucified. Spices and perfumes were placed on a corpse in preparation for burial—something done after the person was deceased. Her prophetic act spoke louder than a prophetic word. The disciples focused on the here and now. Her act pointed to the then and there.
There is an organization called LiveDead that is committed to taking the church to unreached people groups throughout the world. Over the years, I’ve watched as American couples and families sell their homes and other possessions and say good-bye to family and friends so they can “live dead” in (often dangerous) areas of the world where the Good News has not yet been shared. These devoted individuals literally “die” to life’s conveniences and wrap themselves in the customs and cultures of people they’ve never met but who have no other way of learning about Jesus.
The Lord has a purpose for each of us. Some are called-out ones who leave here and go there. Others are to support through prayer and giving. Both require sacrifice.
In the end, every disciple (except Judas) who witnessed this woman’s act, poured out their lives as each faced martyrdom for the sake of Christ. John is the only disciple who was not martyred, but was exiled to the Isle of Patmos where he received and recorded the great Revelation. Ironically, Judas the betrayer was also “spilled out” when he took his own life.
Waste not—want not.
- What does a “poured out” life look like to you? How can you keep from letting other people’s opinions deter you from following the Lord more closely?
- If future generations talked about your life, what would they say?
- How will your relationship with the Lord be different after this week’s quest?
Please post your thoughts and insights.