Silent Wednesday – Wednesday, April 13, 2022
We have one biblical story from what many refer to as “silent” Wednesday. Matthew 26:6-13 describes a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany. Immediately after this, Judas struck his deal to betray Jesus to the Pharisees (which is why some traditions refer to it as “Spy” Wednesday).
Matthew 26:6-13 Jesus Anointed at Bethany
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.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.
“This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.
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.”
Morning Prayer: Father God, as the woman in Bethany anointed Jesus with perfume, so we can demonstrate our devotion through praise today. You are holy and just. You are beautiful and wise. You are merciful and full of grace. We praise the beautiful name of Jesus. We rejoice in You today and in Your son. In Jesus’ name we pray, full of praise, Amen.
Evening Prayer: Father God, As Jesus offered Himself for us on the Cross, so we offer our lives to You. Make us the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing). May the words we speak, the actions we take, and the inner workings of our hearts bring You joy. May our prayers rise like pleasing incense to Your throne. We live for Christ who died for us and lives forevermore. In His name, we pray. Amen.
