The Bridge Week 6 Devotional
Day 1: Crossing the Bridge of Faith
Devotional
Faith often begins cautiously. We dip our toes in the water, testing the temperature before committing fully. Yet God calls us to something deeper - a faith that's willing to cross bridges we can't see the end of. Mary of Bethany understood this. In a room full of people who knew Jesus as a teacher and friend, she saw Him as something more. Her faith had matured beyond careful calculation into complete trust. This is where transformative faith begins - when we stop measuring our devotion and start surrendering completely. Today, consider where you stand on your faith journey. Are you still testing the waters, or are you ready to cross that bridge of deeper devotion?
Bible Verse
"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor." - John 12:1-2
Reflection Question
What bridges of faith is God asking you to cross today, and what's holding you back from taking that step?
Quote
Mary has already crossed over the bridge from cautious belief into bold, fearless devotion.
Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to move beyond cautious faith into bold trust. Help me recognize the bridges You're calling me to cross, even when I can't see the other side. Amen.
Day 2: The Cost of Devotion
Devotional
True devotion often comes with a price tag. For Mary, it was a jar of perfume worth a year's wages. But the value wasn't in the perfume itself - it was in the sacrifice it represented. When we truly understand who Jesus is, our response becomes less about calculation and more about dedication. We stop asking 'How much is too much?' and start asking 'What more can I give?' This isn't about reckless abandonment of resources, but rather about prioritizing our devotion to Christ above all else. Sometimes, our most precious offerings might seem foolish to others, but God sees the heart behind the sacrifice.
Bible Verse
"Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." - John 12:3
Reflection Question
What valuable thing (time, resources, relationships) might God be asking you to surrender as an act of devotion?
Quote
Consider the magnitude of this moment. An entire year's worth of saving spent like that, without hesitation, poured out. An extravagant devotion.
Prayer
Father, help me hold loosely to the things I value most, ready to offer them to You when called. Give me wisdom to discern true devotion from mere impulse. Amen.
Day 3: Misunderstood Devotion
Devotional
Genuine acts of faith often attract criticism. When Mary poured out her expensive perfume, Judas immediately objected, disguising his true motives behind seemingly noble concerns. Yet Jesus defended her actions, understanding the pure devotion behind them. This reminds us that following Christ wholeheartedly may sometimes lead to misunderstanding or criticism from others - even fellow believers. But like Mary, we're called to focus on pleasing God rather than gaining human approval. When our actions flow from sincere devotion to Christ, we can trust His defense of our hearts, even when others misunderstand.
Bible Verse
"But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 'Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.'" - John 12:4-5
Reflection Question
How do you respond when your acts of devotion to God are misunderstood or criticized by others?
Quote
Have you ever experienced something like that when your intentions were pure, your heart sincere, but others misunderstood you.
Prayer
Lord, give me strength to remain faithful in my devotion to You, even when others don't understand. Help me care more about Your approval than human opinion. Amen.
Day 4: Revolutionary Love
Devotional
Mary's act of devotion wasn't just a personal expression of love - it was revolutionary. She broke social norms, ignored financial prudence, and risked reputation to honor Jesus. This kind of love transforms not just the giver, but impacts everyone around them. The fragrance of her offering filled the entire house, just as authentic devotion to Christ naturally overflows to affect others. When we love Jesus extravagantly, it changes how we see and treat others. Our devotion to Christ should lead us to more generous, compassionate, and bold expressions of love toward those around us.
Bible Verse
"'Leave her alone,' Jesus replied. 'It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.'" - John 12:7
Reflection Question
How might your devotion to Christ be transformed into practical acts of love for others in your community?
Quote
When our devotion to Christ is genuine, it naturally overflows in love towards others.
Prayer
Jesus, let my love for You overflow into revolutionary acts of love for others. Help me see opportunities to express Your love in bold and practical ways. Amen.
Day 5: No Turning Back
Devotional
Mary's act of devotion represented a point of no return. By pouring out that expensive perfume, she wasn't just giving a gift - she was making a declaration. Like burning bridges behind you, her action said there was no going back to her old way of life. This is the kind of devotion Jesus invites us into - not a cautious, measured response, but a wholehearted commitment that transforms everything. While the journey may not always be comfortable, the path of complete surrender leads to the fullest experience of Christ's love and purpose for our lives.
Bible Verse
"'You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.'" - John 12:8
Reflection Question
What areas of your life are you still keeping as a backup plan, rather than fully surrendering to Christ?
Quote
Mary didn't just simply cross a bridge. She burned it behind her.
Prayer
Dear God, give me the courage to burn the bridges that keep me from full devotion to You. Help me trust that Your path, though challenging, leads to true life. Amen.