Read Mark 14:1-11. Jesus is having dinner in Bethany and a woman anoints him with a costly jar of perfume. It was the best she had to offer and she willingly poured it out as an act of worship. Traditionally anointing someone’s head with oil was to sanctify, to set the anointed person or object apart as holy. It was a symbol of honor and that the one being anointed was a chosen vessel by God.
This anointing points to Christ’s identity as Messiah-King, but it also points to His humble position as Servant-King. When the woman anoints Jesus, she foreshadows Jesus’ actions at the upcoming Last Supper when the Lord washes the disciples’ feet and teaches them how to love one another through sacrificial, humble service.
Holy Week: April 13
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Lent Scripture Readings
Holy Week: April 16
Read Isaiah 53. Jesus is inviting us to walk in light and have fullness of life through the forgiveness of our sins. However, oftentimes we try to isolate ourselves from God or from others. Maybe we are anxious that we're not enough or we're ashamed of decisions we've made. If we focus on our sin, shame, or unworthiness, we stay in the darkness, but that's not what God wants for us. Read the text carefully again and see what word or phrase sticks out to you. Why do you think that is meaningful to you? What are the parallels between the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53 and Jesus?
Holy Week: April 15
Read Luke 23:1-56. The very people who should have understood and rejoiced at Jesus' coming are the ones shouting for His death. The religious leaders cannot acknowledge Jesus' identity because He does not fit within their expectations. Read the text carefully again and see what word or phrase sticks out to you. Why do you think that is meaningful to you? In what ways do you struggle to accept Jesus' authority in your life because He calls you to live in challenging ways?