What Jesus Did! 'Scolded for Love' — Mark 14:4-5

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Some of those at the table were indignant [that the woman poured the perfume over Jesus' head]. "Why waste such expensive perfume?" they asked. "It could have been sold for a year's wages and the money given to the poor!" So they scolded her harshly.
— Mark 14:4-5 NLT

Key Thought

Isn't it sadly strange that people so often criticize the gifts others make? I'm not sure if it is jealousy, greed, or pure pettiness that makes humans so quick to be critical of other's generosity. However, God loves a cheerful and generous giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Part of the reason is that we are like God when we give generously and joyously. If only we were as generous with our giving as we are with our criticism — and would learn not to be so quick to criticize!

Today's Prayer

Loving God and Almighty Father in heaven, please use me as a conduit of your love, mercy, and grace. I want to have a heart that is generous with others even if those around me cannot understand that generosity. Thank you for being so generous with me. May I never hoard your blessings, but always be quick to share them in ways that bring you joy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Timothy 6:17-19
  • 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: jude 24
"In some sense the path to heaven is very safe, but in other respects there is no road so dangerous. It is beset with difficulties. One false step (and..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Kings 10:9
""Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, he has made you..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Worship Releases the Spirit's Power'
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit......"
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Is a Rock of Salvation and Victory'
"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:4-5 NLT — "Why waste such expensive perfume?" —— "It could have been sold for a year's wages and the money given to the poor!"

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.

More What Jesus Did!