What Should I Bring?
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 12:1-19 (NIV)
(Liana Seah, Chairperson, BeTween Ministry)
As I read this passage and the other passages about Mary, I long for the closeness that Mary had with Jesus – how she treasured Jesus, how much she longed to spend time with Him and how she wanted to give the best that she had for Jesus. It was with love and humility that she poured out a pint of pure nard on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. Such a beautiful picture.
I am sad thinking about how Jesus must have felt that night. He knew that the time that He had with His disciples, beloved family and friends on earth was coming to an end. He wanted to let them know how much He loved them. On the other hand, He also knew Judas was going to betray Him and that Judas loved money more than Jesus.
I love giving gifts, especially to those whom I really care about and love. I want them to know that they have been blessings in my life. I want them to know that I love and treasure them. But finding the right gift is so hard. It is challenging to know what they like. It gets easier when I have more conversations with them. When I prioritise spending time with them, I know what they desire and what will make them excited. Just like how Mary longed to spend time with Jesus, I, too, want to have the same desire to know Him more and to love Him more. Just like Mary, I want to bring Him the best gift to thank Him for all that He has done for me.
I will follow His leading to bring Him my gifts, my dedication and joyful obedience, as an expression of my love and gratitude for Him. He suffered and died so we can be freed from sins and come to the presence of our Holy God. In Matthew 25:40, it says “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Thus, I need to remember that He wants to save everyone; therefore, I need to share His love and His salvation with others more boldly.
Reflection Questions:
1. If you were one of the disciples at the dinner held in Jesus’ honour (v2), what would you say if you saw Mary pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping his feet with her hair?
2. What gift, if any, would you bring to Jesus?
3. Now, assuming you were in the crowd welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem, what would be your thoughts if you saw Jesus riding on a donkey? How would you respond to Him?
