Wednesday Family Devotional
A Choice of the Heart

During Holy Week, two very different responses to Jesus happened.

In a place called Bethany, a woman named Mary poured really expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. The perfume was very valuable, and some people thought it was a waste to pour it on Jesus’ dirty feet, but Jesus said it was a beautiful act of love. Mary understood that Jesus was worth more than anything else, even the most expensive things she had.

At the same time, something else was happening. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, went to the religious leaders and agreed to betray Jesus for thirty silver coins. Imagine saving up all the money you have to buy something special for someone you love. When you give them that gift, it shows them how much they mean to you. But imagine that person received that gift, and then sold it right away, because they care more about what they can get than what you’ve given them.

Mary treated Jesus as someone worth everything; Judas treated Jesus as someone he could trade. These two stories teach us that everyone must decide what Jesus is worth to them. What is Jesus worth to you? What would you be willing to give up for Jesus?

1. Why did Mary give Jesus such an expensive gift?
2. Why did Judas choose money instead of Jesus?
3. What are ways we can show Jesus that we love him?

Lord Jesus, help us love you more than anything else. Teach us to follow you with sincere and faithful hearts. In your name we pray. Amen.