Week 7
While Jesus was sitting at the table in the house of Simon, who had been a leper in Bethany, a woman came to him with a jar of very expensive perfume. She broke the jar and poured it over his head. There were some who were indignant and said, “Why has this perfume been wasted? It might have been sold for a lot of money that could have been given to the poor.”
But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could by anointing my body beforehand for burying. Wherever this good news may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of.” —Mark 14:3–9
Surrender includes the grace to let others love us—sometimes lavishly—like Mary of Bethany’s extravagant love for Jesus. We know God calls us to love others, but we struggle to let them follow through on their calling to love us because of control issues or fear of vulnerability.
Letting others love us is a mutual blessing. It allows others to express their love, and it opens our hearts to receive the gift of God’s grace reflected through them.
Reflection Questions
How have you allowed others to love you at home, at work, and in ministry?
How have you prevented others from loving you?
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?