Valuing Jesus. Valued by Jesus.

As I read this chapter, I marvel at Mary, sister of Lazarus and Martha. (See John 12:1-8.)

She valued Jesus so much, she was willing to sacrifice some very costly perfume in order to honor Jesus. It makes me think: “How much do I value Jesus?”

Am I like Mary?

Or am I like Judas, who professes love for Jesus, and yet betrays him with my actions?

Or am I like Peter, who professes love for Jesus, but can’t even stay awake for him?

But don’t miss something else in this passage.

Jesus values us, even in our weakness.

Knowing that his disciples that would run from him in his time of trial, and that Peter would deny even knowing him, Jesus nevertheless broke bread at dinner and said, “Take it. This is my body.”

Then he took a cup and gave it to them, and said, “This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:22-24)

That’s how much Jesus values us, weak and fragile as we are. He gave his life for us.

And it was no light sacrifice either. He agonized over it, pleading with the Father, “Take this cup from me! I don’t want to go to the cross!”

But in the end, he did so. Why? Because he valued us so much.

Let us value Jesus each day as Mary did. But just as importantly, never forget how much he values us.

As John says,

We love because he first loved us. (I John 4:19)