Mary poured out very expensive oil to anoint Jesus’ feet, which upset Judas Iscariot; Judas was not only a thief but the one who would betray Jesus.

Judas argued that the expensive oil could be sold to provide for the poor, but Jesus replied: “You will always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have Me” (John 12:1-8).

Jesus also taught about the poor in Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus explained that when we feed the overlooked or ignored, give shelter, visit, clothe, even give a cup of water, we are actually providing for Jesus. He said: “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters; you were doing it to me!”

This past September, I left for my first mission trip to Guatemala. Before that trip, I had not considered these teachings of Jesus to be anything other than a historical report of things that happened before Jesus’ crucifixion, and direction for me to be generous with those I meet. It wasn’t until I returned home that I turned around and wondered, ‘Why was that my first mission trip?’ but more specifically, ‘Why had I not done this earlier in my life?’

It would be so easy to talk about the children I met and held and prayed for while in Guatemala, I still get teary when I look at pictures or talk with my mission teammates about our trip. The children, the interpreters, my team mates, all have touched me deeply, but something else has had a greater impact on me. Actually it is not something, but Someone.

Jesus lived on this earth, just like we do. He did not simply stay in his house, go to the carpenter shop during the week and the synagogue on the weekend. Jesus went out to those who needed Him. Jesus made disciples and expects us to do the same thing.

We don’t have to wear sandals or ride on donkeys but we are commanded to GO (Matt 28:20).

Now my questions are: ‘How can I be more like Mary in my devotion to Jesus?’ and ‘How soon before I can GO again to those that need Jesus?’

Cindy Purvis traveled with Buckner to Guatemala on a Shoes for Orphan Souls Mission trip.

Prayer Requests:
-God, help us to remember that the Bible can apply to us today. May we be open always to learning new things from your Word.
-God, may we be obedient of your call to spread the Gospel in the United States and around the world.

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If you are interested in submitting a devotional for Buckner Faith Focus, please write to Jpope@buckner.org.

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