While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. ... Jesus said, "When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." - Matthew 26:6-13

Dear Jesus, what an amazing inner connection you and Mary must have had. She heard and understood that you were going to willingly exchange your life for hers, so that she could survive death forever. How small her own gift must have seemed compared to yours. She gave a year's worth of wages of perfume. You gave up your entire being. I marvel at her gift and the faith that made her give it. But I marvel ten times more at the gift that you were giving for her and me. Take my life and let it be an alabaster flask for thee. This story causes me to ask myself, "What can I give that shows I understand and appreciate how much you have given me?" I will start by giving you my heart and my obedience today. AMEN

The only way to truly know Jesus, is to know the magnitude of his gift for you.

Additional Readings: Psalm 51:10-17, Romans 12