“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied, “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” John 12:7
A week before His death, our Lord had supper with Lazarus and his sisters. Mary poured valuable perfume on Jesus’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Judas Iscariot, a sinner who was still welcome to dine with Jesus, was also there. He questioned Mary about why she would waste valuable perfume on Jesus’s feet. He suggested she should use it to help the poor.
Mary’s pious actions are excessive because we are loved by a God whose devotion to us is excessive. If we extravagantly celebrate births and weddings, shouldn’t we extravagantly show our adoration and appreciation to the one who has done more for us than anyone? Jesus definitely wants us to help the poor but our focus should be finding ways to joyfully honor and express appreciation of him.
Prayer - God, You are an amazing God of unrelenting love and forgiveness. You deserve unending praise. Thank you for reminding us that now is the time to show you how grateful we are. AMEN
Written by Dawn Scott, Librarian Assistant for WHPC
For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17
As he speaks these words, Jesus foreshadows the many ways his followers learned to condemn others in the name of the Gospel. Throughout history the church has been known for its ability to judge and censure. We do well to remember that judgement and condemnation – while entirely human – have no place in the heart of a Christian, or the life of a church. Walking closely with Jesus includes setting aside condemnation of others and allowing the saving power of God to work in us and in others in unexpected ways.
Prayer - Saving God, help me to set aside my judgement of people, and my condemnation of the world around me. Instead open my eyes to your power at work in others- even those I do not understand. Amen
Written by Stacy Ikard, Senior Associate Pastor at WHPC
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
The older I get the more important this promise of Jesus becomes. The world has given me many things – a career and family, some status and financial security. These things I enjoy and even take for granted at times. But ultimately nothing compares to the “peace” Jesus speaks of – the “peace” that Jesus gives that the world only comes to know through him. I am grateful for this precious gift. The peace of Christ makes everything the world gives me sweeter. The peace of Christ is the one thing I can share with others that makes a difference. The peace of Christ calms my heart and gives me courage to live the life of a Christ follower.
Prayer - Precious Jesus, thank you for your peace which passes understanding and gives me courage and hope for this new day. AMEN
Written by Stacy Ikard, Senior Associate Pastor at WHPC
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25
We can all relate to the problem of having too many things dividing our attention. Some of our concerns get more of our energy to the detriment of others. God wants us to do his work and enjoy his world but not to the extent that he isn’t foremost in our thoughts. Looking at the strong wording in John 12:25, it doesn’t seem like Jesus thinks this is a small problem.
Has time sheltering in place helped you realize how a “rich, full life” of family, friends, church work or travel, has distracted you from the joy of knowing and spending time with Christ? We cannot make God our focus if things of this world are the center of our lives.
Prayer - Lord, thank you for showing us that you are all we require. Help us evaluate our priorities so that you become our primary focus. Help us to know when we need to simplify and turn our eyes toward you. AMEN
Written by Dawn Scott, Librarian Assistant for WHPC
“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15
As John’s gospel ends, Jesus leaves one last word about living the life of a Christ follower. If you love me, feed my lambs. Three times Jesus tells Peter to show his love and devotion by caring for others and tending to the needs of the flock of God. In a world of options and contradictions, Jesus’ message is singular and clear. Serving others is the path to loving Jesus. Loving our neighbor is the path to loving our God. Jesus still asks this question of each of us, “Do you love me?” May lives of feeding, serving and caring be our answer.
Prayer - Loving God, teach me to love. Help me to see need and to serve. May my service to be filled with your love. AMEN
Written by Stacy Ikard, Senior Associate Pastor at WHPC