What Jesus Did! 'Beauty in the Broken Things' — Mark 14:3

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While [Jesus] was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
— Mark 14:3 NLT

Key Thought

Mark moves us from a scene of some of the worst of human motivations against Jesus [1] to this scene - one of the most precious stories of love and appreciation for Jesus we find in the Gospels. This woman's expensive sacrifice prepares both Jesus and us for his sacrifice which lies ahead.

[1] Mark 14:1-2.

Today's Prayer

O Father, may my life be a fragrant sacrifice of praise to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:3 NLT — She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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