Day 1

Scripture to Read: John 12:1–3

As we examine John 12, we know that at this point in Scripture, the time of Jesus’ crucifixion is drawing closer. We read in John 12:1–3, Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. If someone is reading the Book of John for the first time, they would not know that this Passover mentioned in John 12 is the last Passover that Jesus will be a part of before He is crucified. This is important information to be aware of since Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with the perfume. Jesus is the Messiah, and the title “Messiah” means “anointed one.” In biblical times, anointing someone was a sign that God had chosen that person for a particular role. Priests and kings were anointed. Jesus is the High Priest and King of kings. Jesus’ anointing points to His role as God’s chosen Savior for the world. So, as Mary anointed the feet of Jesus, it was an incredible act of worship, for she recognized Him as her Messiah. We must worship our Lord Jesus daily, constantly remembering that He is our Messiah, Priest, and King and that only He is worthy of our worship and praise.

Challenge & Application

• What did God teach you about the anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary? • How do you worship our Lord daily and honor Him as Messiah, Priest, and King?

Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!

Devotionals from this week

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Day 1

As we examine John 12, we know that at this point in Scripture, the time of Jesus’ crucifixion is drawing closer. We read in John 12:1–3, Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of thos...

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Day 2

There are times when we read something, including God’s Word, when the word “but” is used to prepare us for either really good news, really bad news, or possibly surprising or unexpected news—so is the case of John 12:4–5, But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, *said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for th...

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Day 3

Jesus quickly responded to Judas’ comment that the perfume was not being sold to take care of the poor. We read in John 12:7–8, Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.” Jesus’ response is perfect because Jesus already knew J...

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Day 4

It’s pretty amazing how God led the Apostle John to write exactly what He wanted him to record. For as soon as we read Jesus’ response, God has the Apostle John shift focus back to the crowds. We read in John 12:9, The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see...

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Day 5

Though the crowds continued to seek Jesus and even Lazarus, some for the right reason and some for selfish reasons, there were also the religious leaders. They were definitely seeking to find Jesus, and now they also wanted to find Lazarus, but not for anything good. We read in John 12:10–11, But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to de...

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Day 6

Jesus’ day drew near, and He entered Jerusalem as the anointed King. We read in John 12:12–16, On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the ...

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Day 7

The crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem knew how powerful He was. We read in John 12:17–19, So the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify about Him. 18 For this reason also the people went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. 19 So th...

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