Scripture: John 12:1-11
Jesus is Anointed at Bethany
12 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.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold, and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. (NIV)
Observation:
Jesus defends Mary, Lazarus’ sister, for her extravagant outpouring of love while she anointed his feet with expensive perfume. After Judas’ protest of this act saying, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold, and the money given to the poor?” Jesus responded, “‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:7-8)
Application:
Providing alms for the poor is always commendable, but expressing our love for Jesus in extravagant ways is an act of worship. Mary worshipped Jesus with her whole heart, and whenever given the opportunity, she was always at his feet, absorbing his teachings. We should emulate her actions in our own lives.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, Lazarus' sister Mary consistently demonstrated her love and devotion to you, attentively listening to your every word and sitting at your feet to be filled with your wisdom and love. We ought to emulate Mary in our own lives by sitting at the feet of your Word, worshipping you to the glory of God the Father, through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen.