We are journeying with Jesus through this week leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. On Tuesday of Easter Week He was in Bethany, not far from Jerusalem.
Today’s Passage:
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Reflection
Thoughts from the passage
Two different perspectives of the same person and the same situation. Many at Simon’s house felt indignant, outraged, critical and condemning. They saw the woman’s act as a waste of expensive perfume. How must she have felt being so harshly rebuked and criticised by this group who were all agreeing with each other?
This was a sacrificial act on her part. She either spent a substantial amount of money buying this perfume, or some scholars think it may have been part of her dowry. She had planned something special, which cost her greatly, but she was initially only met with rejection, anger and harsh words.
But Jesus saw through completely different eyes. He saw her heart, her motives, her sacrifice, and He viewed her worshipful act as beautiful.
Was this woman able to accept Jesus’ response as truth, and disregard the critical words, or did the judgement and harsh rebuke leave a scar?
Reflection
Do we evaluate situations…people…ourselves, through Jesus eyes? Do we see beyond the exterior? Do we see beyond the mistakes and failures? Do we instead see beauty…potential…value? Do we give people the benefit of the doubt? Do we find the good in everything and take every opportunity to encourage and build up? Do we see what Jesus sees?
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29)
Response
The closer we draw to God the more we will see others as He sees them. How is God challenging you today? Pray that He will remind you about seeing through His eyes throughout the day as you encounter people and situations.