Devotionals by Raul Ries

MONDAY March 30, 2026

The Cross Before Christ

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
John 12:3

The heart of Jesus was growing heavy; the Cross was before Him. His hour of suffering was drawing close. At this time, Jesus went to the warm and welcoming home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha––close friends. Their home of hospitality was located in Bethany, only about two miles outside of Jerusalem. He often fellowshipped and rested there with them.

Mary was a woman in tune with the Holy Spirit. She discerned that the time of Jesus’ suffering and death was near. In loving devotion, she approached her Lord and anointed His feet with spikenard––a very costly perfume––and wiped His feet with her hair.

Although among loyal friends, Jesus was in the presence of an enemy. Judas had walked with Jesus, hand in hand in the ministry, but his heart was not with Him. Jesus had loyally loved Judas, but Judas’ disloyalty was made known at the Last Supper. Jesus said: “...one of you will betray Me” (John 13:21). The beloved Disciple John, asked Jesus for the identity of His betrayer: Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon (John 13:26).

Although Judas was identified as Jesus’ betrayer, the disciples mistook what the Lord spoke to him next: “What you do, do quickly.” They thought it had something to do with buying food for the feast or giving something to the poor (John 13:29). But after Mary’s costly sacrifice, the Scriptures revealed the true character of Judas:

...Judas Iscariot ... said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it (John 12:4-6).

We have been shown the heart of Mary and the heart of Judas, but what about your heart? Although attending church, are you loyal to Jesus, or are you betraying Him in some way?

To preach Christ without His cross is to betray Him with a kiss.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!