Devotional by Elizabeth Ramirez
Mark 14:1-10 (ESV)
1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”
3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.
For the Adults:
Have you ever been in a position where you feel you have nothing worthy to give to the Lord, so you give your time and talent and dress as a ditzy talk show host or moody gothic teenager for a Christmas play that ultimately spreads the message of the true Nativity Story? That may seem oddly specific, but it’s exactly what I did in two different Christmas programs at First Baptist Weslaco in 2017 and 2018.
This woman with an alabaster flask, came ready to anoint Jesus and give her most prized possession to show her loyalty, commitment, and praise to him, she didn’t care who saw. Some who witnessed this act felt the need to make their opinion known, while probably muttering and scoffing under their breath about how much value this silly woman was throwing away wastefully. Let than sink in: something done for the praise and glory of Jesus was considered “wasted” ointment. In response to her action Jesus says, “ … wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her” (v. 9).
While some may scoff at my acting and the time wasted in preparation of a Christmas comedy, it brought joy, relatability, and hopefully a timely reminder of why we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I challenge you to be honest…
How many times have we been like those who scoffed and muttered under our breath at someone’s uninhibited act of worship?
How many times have we, like this woman, truly given our best to the Lord?
I gave everything I had to that Christmas play and definitely got out of my comfort zone! Hopefully giving God everything we have is not a once a year phenomenon!
For the Kids:
Enter:
Ask children what was your favorite part of the week?
What was the least favorite part of your week?
Where did you see God at work this week?
Hear:
Read the Passage
Pause:
Sit for a few moments in silence.
Wonder:
What did you find interesting about today’s passage?
Imagine going to your best friends’ birthday party, do you pick a gift that you think they would like, or do you pick a gift that you think they wouldn’t like?
Now, imagine you are going to a dinner where you know that Jesus, our Savior, the Messiah, is going to be. Should you show up empty handed? What is your most prized possession? Might you bring your chess set, stuffed llama, nerf gun, or your Xbox in the hopes that Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will take a moment and play with you?
When is a good time to remember this story?
Bless:
Always remember, like Pastor Robin shared the other day, God sees our heart!
Recall some of the things the children brought up earlier as well as the main points of the story. Dismiss in prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for those who are keeping us safe during this pandemic. Thank you for the story of this woman who gave a priceless gift to Jesus and is a part of your great story of love. Help us to give the best of what we have to God. Forgive us when we make you sad. Help us to love one another, Amen!
About Liz:
I (Liz Ramirez) started attending FBCW in early 2008, after being invited by Blanca Aguilar, who I worked with for many years at Texas Oncology. I officially joined the church in August, the same year, and got married at the church in February, 2009.
I have a special love and appreciation for all of the ministries at FBCW, but especially enjoy being active in the Children’s Ministry. I have worked at FBCW for 5 years as the secretary, and truly enjoy working for the Kingdom. I especially enjoy taking part in the Food Pantry, and Vacation Bible School.
During this time of quarantine, I miss seeing everyone’s smiling faces on Sunday mornings, and silly as it is, I miss our security team radio checks.. Staff, loud and clear! Praying God’s blessings over our extended Familia of Faith always!