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

  • Romans 12:1-2
  • Hebrews 13:15-16
  • Philippians 2:5-11

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

What She Could
Article by Tom Norvell
Are you trying to do too much or are you doing what you can? Sometimes we try too hard and too much when we should simply be doing what we can.
A Story That Must Be Told!
Article by Phil Ware
Regardless of our reasons in the past, let’s make sure we honor the Lord’s wishes in this circumstance and others like it. Phil Ware continues his series of messages of how Jesus values women, focusing this week on the loving and extravagant gift of the unnamed woman who broke her alabaster jar and anointed Jesus with expensive perfume.
Extravagant Gifts
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, Can you remember your Christmas gifts from last year? ... five years ago? ... ten years ago? You probably don't remember most of your..."
I Want to Be Like Her
Article by Phil Ware
Let's move beyond remembering her story; let's also commit to being like her in these four ways. Phil Ware continues his reflections in the Gospels as he seeks to call us to continue pursuing Jesus so that we can be JesuShaped.

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Reclaiming Saul for Ministry' (Acts 11:25-26)
"Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 127:1
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'My Enemy Does Not Shout in Victory over Me'
"By this I know that You favor and delight in me, Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Risk-taking & Faith-filled'
"Dear Beloved, What is the greatest obstacle that you face? What seemingly insurmountable forces are at work against you? Keep these two questions....."

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!