READ: Matthew 26 (Focus vs. 6-13)
MEMORY VERSE
“She has done a beautiful thing to me.” Matthew 26:10
BACKGROUND
A twenty-dollar bill and two leaflets with messages about Jesus. That’s what was inside an envelope labeled “John Daniels Sr, Random Act of Kindness Day.”
A woman gave it to me while I was on my walk at the community college campus. A year earlier, John had been fatally struck by a car after helping a homeless man and sharing words about Christ’s love with him. John’s legacy of witnessing through words and deeds lives on through the woman I met that day, along with John’s other family members.
In Matthew 26:13, one woman was memorialized by Jesus with these words: “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
The woman’s tender heart for Christ compelled her to anoint Him with expensive ointment (v. 7). What was misunderstood and criticized by others as wasteful (vv. 8-9) was commended by Jesus as “a beautiful thing” (v. 10).
The woman’s costly devotion was used by God in a unique way, just as He uses our deeds today for His purposes.
The envelope I received reinforced my desire to distribute resources to those on the street corners in my city, but honoring Jesus can happen in a variety of ways. Let’s tell others about Him and demonstrate His love practically.
Arthur Jackson
INSIGHT
In Matthew 26:10, Jesus described a woman’s act of devotion as a “beautiful thing.” It was selfless, thoughtful, and costly. What a contrast with the selfish, ugly actions recorded by Matthew on either side of this account.
Plotting religious leaders devised a murderous plan to kill Christ (vv. 3-5). And, from within the band of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot’s plan to betray Him was set in motion (vv. 14-16). Given these circumstances, the woman’s act of honor shines even more brightly.
In a world that includes misguided and unflattering sentiments toward Jesus, those who believe in Him can show how precious He is by honoring Him through thoughtful, caring actions that may cost us time, money, or things we value.
Honoring Christ by loving others is still a beautiful thing.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
Who has inspired you to honor Jesus in practical ways? What acts of kindness might your love for Him compel you to do?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“In a world that includes misguided and unflattering sentiments toward Jesus, those who believe in Him can show how precious He is by honoring Him through thoughtful, caring actions that may cost us time, money, or things we value. Honoring Christ by loving others is still a beautiful thing.”
PR’s TAKE
The world wants to see the Gospel not just hear of it. Pr
“There are too many Christians who think the world is responding negatively to them because of Christ when (in actual fact) the world responds negatively to Christ because of them.” Anonymous
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known” Our Christian Mantra
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, the lives of other believers in Jesus inspire me to love You more. Please help me to see ways to share my love for You.
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“LIFT HIM UP”
How to reach the masses, those of ev’ry birth?
For an answer Jesus gave the key:
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth;
Will draw all people to Me.”
Lift Him up, lift Him up,
Still He speaks from eternity:
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,
Will draw all people to Me.”
O the world is hungry for the living bread,
Lift the Savior up for them to see.
Trust Him, and do not doubt the words that He said:
“I’ll draw all people to Me.”
Lift Him up, lift Him up…
Lift Him up by living as a Christian ought,
Let the world in you the Savior see.
Then saints will gladly follow Him who once taught:
“I’ll draw all people to Me.”
Lift Him up, lift Him up,
Still He speaks from eternity:
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,
Will draw all people to Me.”
