Tuesday of Holy Week

Read John 12:1–3

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As our master shared our table, a wave of love and devotion crested over me. I knew what I must do. I retrieved the container of perfume our family purchased from Parthian traders years ago; we’d been saving it for a momentous occasion, and I could see none more so than this. It had been made for Jesus.

I was in no position to anoint my master’s head. Instead, I cracked the vial and emptied it onto his bare feet. As nard dripped from his heels, I realized that I’d brought no other supplies with me. Men gasped as I loosened my hair to use as a towel. Judas scoffed at my extravagance; he thought it was foolhardy. But Jesus understood. I needed to take advantage of the time I had remaining with him, and he honored my act of devotion and service.

Jesus, empower me to show you how much I love you — even if that means making a fool of myself.

Text by Jodi Craiglow

Video from First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL