Journey With Jesus 365Sample

Matthew 26:6-7 describes a significant event: “Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head as He sat at meat.”

Bethany, known as a place of love and support, stood in contrast to Jerusalem, a place of hostility. Jesus spent His final days in Bethany before His crucifixion. This event occurred in the home of Simon the leper, a man who had once suffered from leprosy but was undoubtedly healed by Jesus. Now healed, Simon was able to host and have fellowship with Jesus and others at the dinner table.

This scene is powerful, illustrating the intimacy and gratitude that come from knowing Jesus. While the religious leaders and those who rejected Jesus remained spiritually "unclean," those who experienced His healing and love—like Simon—could enjoy His presence.

Today, many of the Lord’s enemies do not truly know Him as the One who heals, loves, weeps, and judges. Spiritually, they remain like lepers, needing cleansing. If they were honest, they would admit, "Unclean, unclean."

When we come to Jesus and are cleansed by Him, we can experience true fellowship with Him, just as Simon did. In this passage, as they were dining, a woman, who was identified in John's gospel as Mary, approached Jesus with an alabaster box of precious ointment and anointed His head and feet with its fragrance. John’s account also reveals that Judas led the objections against her actions, though the other disciples joined in the criticism.

Have you experienced the transformative healing and forgiveness that comes from Jesus? If so, how has this changed your relationship and fellowship with Him?

Are there aspects of your life where you still feel "unclean" or distant from God? What steps can you take to allow Jesus’ cleansing and love to bring you closer?

How do you express gratitude for what Jesus has done in your life? Are there ways you can show your devotion, similar to Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with the precious ointment?

What can you learn from Simon’s story about moving from a state of “unclean” to being a host for Christ? How can this transformation motivate you in your journey of faith?