A Holy Aroma

Lent - Monday March 11

Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:1-11, John 12:1-11

Introduction

As we move closer to the end of Jesus’ life on Earth, we encounter the beautiful story of Jesus being anointed by a woman in Bethany (who John identifies as Mary). This woman displayed her love and adoration for Jesus by using two precious things to anoint His feet: her hair and a bottle of expensive perfume. Others objected to this lavish treatment. However, Jesus reassured everyone present that her deed was noble and good. This story reminds us of the love and adoration of the Savior who has given all for us.

A Holy Aroma

In today’s passage, I’m stuck on the verse, “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (Jn. 12:5b) It reminds me of the summer of 2020. The air was so thick with strife and pain. My heart sank under its weight. I had no idea how to help the world around me. So, my husband and I did a lot of walking. We would come to this one corner, and the aroma from one yard was so distinctly lovely. It stopped us in our tracks multiple times. It was like jasmine, but richer. We would be talking about something heavy, pass the corner and immediately stop and take in the fragrance with a smile.

It was on one of these walks that God spoke gently,” I want you to be like this flower.” I need to focus my energy on bringing His peaceful presence in such a way that people might wonder, “What’s that smell?” (in a good way, of course). But, it all starts with having a heart like Mary’s. Then, we live in a way that brings our gifts to the Lord, filling our lives and homes with a pleasing aroma to Him. (Lev. 2:2)

Questions for Reflection:

Think: What gifts did Mary bring to Jesus? Though we may not be physically present with Jesus in the same way that Mary was, what kinds of gifts can we bring to Jesus today?

Pray: Ask God to show you how you can be a “holy aroma” to the world around you in this season.

Respond: What’s something you can do this week to bring God’s love, grace, and peaceful presence to the people around you? Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big, life-changing thing. Every little action counts!

With thanks to B4Church