Encouragement for Today

April 16, 2025 Worshipping the One Who Truly Matters on Holy Wednesday GRACE VALENTINE Lee en español

“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.” John 12:3 (NIV)

Editor’s Note: Today’s devotion is part of our Holy Week series! Journey with us as we experience the power of Jesus’ love, remember His sacrifice, and walk in the victory of His resurrection. We pray this series prepares your heart for the joy of Easter. Subscribe now.

If you’re anything like me, your to-do list can feel overwhelming:

• Go to the grocery store for eggs, milk and avocado (and hopefully salmon is on sale so I can make that healthy recipe).
• Wake up early for a work obligation (I’m already dreading the alarm).
• Check in on family members with declining health.
• Meet up with a friend I’ve been trying to see for two months.

I often find myself saying, “I need to do this,” as though everything will fall apart if I don’t. The truth is, much more often, I need to check my heart, remember who Jesus is and realign my priorities.

Sometimes I let my schedule, work, possessions, pursuits or social status take precedence. But when my focus shifts from Jesus to these things, I lose sight of true purpose and peace.

For instance, I remember a time in my life when work consumed me. Hitting numbers and meeting goals became my sole focus. At first, it seemed productive, even admirable. But gradually, without realizing it, I let it define me. I stopped prioritizing Jesus and began worshipping my work instead. I became less loving, less gentle, and definitely less like Jesus.

With worship in mind, Holy Wednesday invites us all to remember two pivotal events from the Bible:

1. Judas agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).
2. Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, showing her devotion to Him (Matthew 26:6-13).

On the same day Judas decided to betray, Mary chose to worship.

John 12:3 says, “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.”

We face a similar choice daily: Will our priorities be selfish or holy? True purpose comes from devoting time to humbly being with Jesus. When we prioritize anything else, like Judas, we lose sight of who we are meant to be.

Mary’s example shows us what it means to live with holy purpose. She worshipped Jesus, sat at His feet, and humbly surrendered her most valuable possession to Him.

This Holy Wednesday, I invite you to prayerfully reflect: In what ways have you prioritized the wrong things? Are you living like Judas, trading eternal joy for temporary gains, or like Mary, finding peace and purpose in worship?

We will never find lasting peace and purpose until we sit at our Savior’s feet. Every day is an opportunity to offer ourselves to Him.

Dear Jesus, this Holy Week, help me to remember Mary’s example. I confess I’ve often prioritized the things of this world over You. I know I’ll miss a truly rich life if I forget to sit at Your feet. Lord, I humbly worship You as my Savior and my Friend. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Matthew 26:14-15, “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver” (NIV).

When was a time you prioritized social standing, finances or something else worldly over Jesus? What does it mean to be holy instead of selfish? How can you find time to worship Jesus even when you have a lot to do?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Grace Valentine. All rights reserved.