Expensive Perfume

Welcome to DAY 37 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 12:1-11 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life. For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen