Read John 12:1-3. Circle the words that stands out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 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.
Digging Deeper.
What will you say or give to someone who pulled you out of a burning car? What would you say or give to someone who donated a kidney to your son or daughter? Of all the possessions that you have, how would you and I express our gratitude toward that person?
Mary and Martha heard that Jesus was returning to Jerusalem through Bethany. An invitation was sent to Jesus and His disciples. I would imagine it would be the finest feast that Mary and Martha could cook with the finest meat, vegetables, and wine. Nothing was spared to honor Jesus. This meal was cooked with love, not drudgery. Their brother, Lazarus who was raised from the dead was dining with Jesus.
Mary wanted to express her love to Jesus. She searched for the most precious possession she had. She found a jar of pure nard or perfume. Would she keep it for her financial security? Would she keep it for another emergency? Would she sell it and give Jesus the money? What would she do with this jar of perfume worth a year’s wage?
The text records this, “3 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.”
Why didMary pour the pure perfume on Jesus’ feet? I am certain that the feet of Jesus and the disciples were washed before they enter Lazarus’ house. Their feet were clean. I like to think that Mary washed Jesus’ feet with her hair as an expression of her love for Him. She chose to wash Jesus’ feet because it was His feet that took Him to their home to raise Lazarus. It was Jesus’ feet that took Him to the tomb. And now, they were to be honored as it brought Him into their home. In some way, the feet of Jesus represented the totality of Himself. Wherever Jesus’ feet were at, He was there in person.
She didn’t do it to impress others nor did she pour the expensive perfume to repay Jesus for resurrecting Lazarus. She didn’t allow others to determine or deter her expression of love and gratitude to Jesus. She didn’t say any words. Her actions spoke for her. I wonder what Martha or Lazarus thought about Mary’s action. What would be running through your mind if you were there, watching this event unfold?
Let’s ask ourselves, “What is the greatest expression of love that you have given to God in the name of Jesus that wasn’t tax deductible for you and me?” Don’t let other people’s opinion of you and your gift hinder you from expressing your love for Jesus.
-Kingston