What does Mary's act in John 12:7 teach about sacrificial giving? Setting the Scene • Six days before Passover, Jesus is honored at a dinner in Bethany (John 12:1–2). • Mary breaks open “a pound of expensive perfume of pure nard” (v. 3) and pours it on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. • Judas objects, calling the act wasteful (vv. 4–5). • Jesus answers, “Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). The Costliness of True Devotion • Nard was worth about a year’s wages (John 12:5); Mary’s gift was financially staggering. • Sacrificial giving is measured by what it costs the giver, not by the amount left over (cf. 2 Samuel 24:24; Mark 12:41–44). • Authentic worship is willing to appear extravagant—Mary’s act filled the house with fragrance (John 12:3), symbolizing how wholehearted giving blesses others. Seeing Jesus’ Worth • Mary recognizes Jesus’ imminent death (“in preparation for the day of My burial,” v. 7). • Her insight moves her to act before opportunities pass—an encouragement to seize present moments of generosity (Galatians 6:10). • Valuing Christ above all earthly wealth echoes Paul’s testimony: “I consider everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ” (Philippians 3:8). Contrasting Hearts: Mary and Judas • Mary gives freely; Judas grumbles about the cost while later selling Jesus for thirty silver coins (Matthew 26:14–16). • The contrast exposes motives: sacrificial giving flows from love, not calculation (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Jesus’ defense of Mary shows He cherishes gifts motivated by devotion, not public approval (Matthew 6:3–4). Foreshadowing the Ultimate Sacrifice • Mary’s perfume anticipates Jesus’ own costly offering: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2). • Her act previews burial spices (John 19:39–40), tying her generosity to the gospel itself. • Our giving mirrors His: “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Practical Takeaways for Today • Evaluate gifts by sacrifice, not surplus—does it stretch faith? • Give while opportunities remain; tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. • Let worship motivate generosity—see giving as pouring love on Christ. • Expect misunderstanding; obedience to Jesus’ worth trumps others’ opinions. • Remember the fragrance—sacrificial gifts spread lasting spiritual impact (2 Corinthians 2:14–15). Summary Mary’s act in John 12:7 teaches that sacrificial giving is costly, timely, Christ-focused, and fragrant with eternal value. Jesus Himself affirms such devotion, inviting believers to honor Him with gifts that mirror His own lavish love. |
    |