Lent Devotional

My name is Jared Kreitzer. I am a follower of Christ, a father of two wonderful children, and husband to Olivia. I love playing board games, reading books, and hanging out with friends! I have been at Fellowship for seven years. I am currently on the Men's Ministry Leadership Team and have served in various other roles during my time here.

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Six days before the Passover, Jesus returns to Bethany. The atmosphere is thick with tension — the religious leaders are plotting His death — yet there is a celebration. Lazarus, the man Jesus recently raised from the dead, is reclining at the table. Martha, true to her gifting, is serving. Then Mary, with a selfless heart, performs an act of pure devotion.

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Mary approaches Jesus with a jar of nard, an expensive perfume worth about a year's wages (roughly 300 denarii). In a culture where a woman's hair was her glory and her dowry was her future security, Mary breaks both social and financial norms. She pours the oil on Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair. Her heart is fixed solely on Jesus; she is not concerned with the physical ramifications of her actions. What a selfless act! She didn't just give a portion; she gave it all. She didn't just offer a gift; she offered herself.

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The text notes that "the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." True worship is never private; its influence permeates everything around it.

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Judas Iscariot quickly voices the "logical" objection: "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?" On the surface, it sounds like a noble, social-justice-oriented concern. But John reveals the heart behind the mask: Judas didn't care for the poor; he cared for the purse. Jesus' response is profound: "Leave her alone... You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." Jesus isn't dismissing the poor; He is emphasizing the unique, fleeting moment of His physical presence and the beauty of Mary's prophetic act — anointing Him for His burial.

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I can be so quick to hide my faith. The fear of man, the comfort of money, and the pleasure of indulgence are powerful tools that Satan uses to point our eyes and our hearts away from Christ. Mary's humble act of devotion stirs a desire in my heart to focus on what really matters. I may be doing the right things and saying the right things, but are the motivations of my heart pure? I am challenging myself during this season of Lent to truly answer this difficult question — and I encourage you to do the same! Christ values our hearts more than our deeds. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).

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Mary not only shows us a selfless heart but also a heart for serving. She washes Jesus' feet. Now, I'm not saying you should literally wash someone's feet — you might get some weird looks — but I do encourage you to volunteer. Use your talents and your gifts to bless your church community and the people around you. Small acts go a long way!