Introduction

As the day draws near to Christ’s death on the cross, Jesus again warns his disciples of his upcoming death.

When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples,  “You know that after two days nthe Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” -Matthew 26:1-2

This is the fourth and final time Jesus predicts his arrest and crucifixion (Matt. 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19). The chief priests begin meeting with the elders to plot His death. We see in verses 14-16, Judas meets with the priests and takes 30 pieces of silver as payment to betray Jesus.

But in between these accounts of betrayal, we see Mary pour out her heart and do what Christ calls “a beautiful thing to me.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” -Matthew 26:6-13

Adoration

But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” – Hebrews 1:8-9

Oh Righteous Father, you are so good to us! Your steadfast love is neverending! Your glorious plan and righteous deeds live forever! May we be a people who love and seek your kingdom first!  Amen.

Confession

“O God, you know us well. We are quick to speak of faith, but slow to live it completely. We shout “hosanna” as Jesus approaches, and yet we hold back parts of ourselves from You … O God, you know us well. We are quick to claim faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but we are fickle, slow to live fully as faithful disciples. We know where we fail … O God, you know us well. We are quick to want the blessings of faithfulness, but we are slow to accept the cost of authentic Christlike living. Forgive our weakness and fear … Lord, You are God. You bring light to those in darkness, forgiveness to those who truly confess, and pardon to all who seek to follow Jesus. We rejoice that  Your steadfast love endures forever and ever. In the name of Jesus Christ, we receive the love that never dies and never fails. Amen.” – Missio Dei Confessional.

Thanksgiving

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; – Psalm 45:6-7

Father God, Thank you for your goodness! Thank you for dying for us while we were still sinners undeserving of such grace and goodness. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for the cross. Thank you for our salvation. When we sing, “Hosanna,” thank you for hearing us! Thank you for not blotting us out! Thank you for your glorious plan that brought us to you! We love you God! In your Holy name we pray, Amen.

Supplication

Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be a light for the community, that the church shares the love of God to the ends of the earth. Pray that the local church becomes a new home for many this Easter Sunday! Pray that those within the church who are sick stay healthy. Pray for our church members who are hurting during this season in life that they are able to find comfort in your arms.

Community

Pray for your community, that the lost are found and the found grow closer to the Lord. Pray that kindness between community members reign supreme and that peacemakers step forth to be a light for Christ in the everyday battles of darkness. Pray for finances throughout the community and those that hurt.

World
Pray for the Ukraine/Russia Conflict. Pray for softening of hearts, persevering of the saints, provisions and safety of civilians, God’s glory to be shown throughout the war. Pray that as tensions continue to grow, that communication would strengthen and compromises would be made. Pray that those displaced can return home soon. Pray for the financial consequences of war on society that God continues to meets the needs of His people. Pray for those who are hurting internationally and nationally. Pray for the missionaries carrying out the message of God. Pray for the violence in Israel to be stopped.