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

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

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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. [1] 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!

[1] 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

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

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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.

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