A Gift

March 11, 2016

Opening Hymns:
658 This is the Day the Lord Hath Made http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh658.sht

Scripture Reading:

John 12:1-8
12:1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

12:2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.

12:3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

12:4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said,

12:5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?"

12:6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)

12:7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.

12:8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

Message:
As I’m reading today’s scriptures Jesus’ acceptance Mary’s gift reminds me that while it is important to care for the poor and needy, it is also important to take care of ourselves. In caring for ourselves and accepting gifts from others, we can give and care for others in return.

Jesus is able to see that His days on earth are coming to an end. Jesus is now needing to prepare Himself for the hardest moments of His life. Mary gives a gift that is perfectly timed. She may not have known what was to come, or how much her gift would mean to Him. She did know that she cared deeply for Him. She must have felt so indebted to Him after He raised her brother from the dead. She knew that He was the Savior, and wanted to give something in return. She probably didn’t realize how perfect and perfectly timed her gift was.

  I’ve had moments when life is hard and someone gives me a little gift, or says a kind word… and it makes all the difference. It often doesn’t take much, a smile, a word of encouragement, a small thimble… and suddenly life doesn’t seem as bad anymore. Sometimes we need those little gifts or compliments to remind us that we are loved. They can also remind us how even small gifts can make a big difference for others. Our gifts and kindness might help them feel welcomed, accepted, and loved as well.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, You have raised us all from the dead of our sins, let us share with others the joy of this new life. Let us remember to share kindness to those around us. Strengthen us when life gets tough, and may our gifts be well timed to help others feel Your love when they most need to. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
66 Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh066.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God