Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “A Heart Of Gratitude”
DAILY BREAD: A DEVOTIONAL FOR THE CHILDREN*
Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Children’s Ministries Department
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
*TOPIC: A HEART OF GRATITUDE*
“ _Then Jesus said, let her alone, against the day of my burying has she done this” John 12:7_
Have you thought of reciprocating someone’s love for you when you had no hope? Mary did that. She gave her best gift, a pound of Spikenard perfume, that worth more than three hundred pence, to Jesus to show her gratitude for all the love and forgiveness He gave to her.
This happened six days before the feast of Passover of the Jews, when Jesus visited Lazarus, Martha and Mary, his friends, some days after the resurrection of Lazarus. By this time, Jesus knew that the time for His death is very near but no one else knew. However, the thought of all that Jesus had done in her life and for her family, made Mary decide to do something very special for Him without minding what people would say.
It was not just any common gift, but a very expensive and valuable ointment/ perfume at that time. Mary carefully planned for the gift, by saving her wages over a long period of time, to get three hundred pence, a very big amount of money, with which she purchased the costly ointment which she used to anoint the feet of Jesus. She wiped the oil with her very beautiful long hair.
However, someone felt so sad about the whole thing, someone that was so greedy. Guess who did that? Yes, it was Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles who later betrayed Jesus, his master. He said, “why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor? John 12:5. Jesus made them to understand that the poor will always be with them but He will not and that what Mary did will ever be remembered, in that she has anointed Him in preparation for His burial unknowingly.
Mary’s deep appreciation to Jesus shows her response to His love for her . This is a wonderful lesson for every one of us. Jesus is our best friend. He loves us so much and lavishes great blessings on us day by day. He gave His life on the cross of calvary to save us from our sins. The question that we need to answer individually now is this; How have I shown my gratitude to Jesus for all He has been doing or have done for me?
*Thought Reflection:*
Do you appreciate Jesus’ love and blessings to you day by day?
*Song*
Stop and let me tell you what the Lord has done for me (2times) He forgave my sins and He cleansed my soul. He renewed my heart and He made me whole. Stop and let me tell you what the Lord has done for me.
*Prayer*
Dear Lord, thank you for your love and blessings which you have always lavished on me. Please, give me the heart of gratitude to appreciate you through my service to you and to others, I pray with thanks, in Jesus name, Amen..
