An Example to Follow

In Bethany, while Jesus was reclining at the table, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar containing very expensive perfume. Out of an act of worship, she poured this perfume upon his head. Indignant, the disciples claimed “What a waste! This could have been sold and given to the poor!” Certainly, the disciples had good intentions. I mean, isn’t feeding the poor a good thing? (Matthew 26:6-10) 

As with Martha and Mary, Jesus isn’t interested in His disciples doing the “good thing” but instead He is interested in his disciples doing the best thing! Worshiping our God is the best thing! Out of that worship, feeding the poor will come. Because when we worship our God, He plants His passions, His burdens, His desires and His will in our hearts and empowers us to fulfill them.

This woman was preparing Jesus for the death that would pay for all of mankind’s sins. She was about God’s will in this preparation, which ultimately would save the poor and all people from eternal poverty (a forever life without God). This woman is held in memory of her best deed, because her best deed helped propel the finish of the gospel.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for a woman like this, who has given us an example to follow. While we are intent on doing good things in this world, give us insight into what the best things are so that we are about Your Will! In this children’s ministry, Your will is relationship. Your will is to build a bridge between the relationships leaders and children develop that ultimately lead to relationship with You. We pray for connection between leaders and children; between children and You. May our service to you be as the expensive perfume that the woman poured upon Your head. My we prepare the hearts of these children with the Gospel of Your saving grace. May we see ourselves as giving of our time as the best thing we can do, never as a waste. Guard us against the good and propel us toward the best. Reward us with seeing the fruit of our labors. In Your holy name, Amen.