Scripture Reading: John 12:1–19.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” — John 12:13
In the final week before His crucifixion, Jesus is honored in two strikingly different settings—one intimate, the other public. Both moments reveal the depth of worship He deserves and the humility He embodies.
Jesus returns to Bethany where He had raised Lazarus from the dead. A dinner is prepared in His honor. Then Mary steps forward, moved by love and adoration, brought out a costly perfume and pour it on Jesus’s feet, wiping them with her hair. The house is filled with the aroma of this extravagant, intimate, and prophetic act of worship.
The next day, Jesus would enter Jerusalem as the stage is being set for His crucifixion. A vast crowd gathered to honor Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey. They welcomed Jesus with enthusiasm as the Messiah, proclaiming Him the King of Israel.
These events offer valuable lessons. Jesus is Worthy of Costly Worship. Mary’s worship teaches us that honoring Jesus means giving our best, not just what’s convenient. Her offering was worth a year’s wages, but her heart was fixed on something far more valuable: the presence of the King. Jesus is the King Who chooses Humility. When Jesus enters Jerusalem. He did on a donkey’s colt. The crowd lays palm branches and shouts “Hosanna!” They celebrate Jesus as king even though they misunderstand His mission.
Even though Jesus is the eternal King, He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. He comes not to overthrow Rome, but to overcome sin. His triumph is not political—it’s redemptive.
Declare today: Jesus, I honor You—not just with words, but with worship, surrender, and trust. You are the King who chose humility, and I choose to follow You with my whole heart.