What can we learn about worship from Mary's actions in John 12:3? The Setting Six days before Passover, Jesus is in Bethany, reclining at a supper prepared in His honor (John 12:1-2). Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead, is at the table; Martha is serving; Mary quietly approaches. The Text “Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3) What Mary’s Act Reveals about True Worship • Costly Surrender – The perfume was worth “a year’s wages” (John 12:5). – Worship gives God our best, not our leftovers (2 Samuel 24:24). • Humble Posture – She anointed His feet, the task of a servant (cf. Luke 17:10). – Wiping them with her hair shows personal abasement; glory (a woman’s hair, 1 Corinthians 11:15) laid at His feet. • Personal Intimacy – No distance, no mediators—Mary is physically close, unafraid of others’ opinions (cf. Psalm 27:4). – Worship involves drawing near with genuine affection (James 4:8). • Timely Discernment – Jesus calls it preparation for His burial (John 12:7). – Worship listens to the Spirit’s moment and responds (Ecclesiastes 3:1). • Fragrance that Fills the House – Her act impacts everyone present: “the house was filled with the fragrance.” – True worship blesses the gathered body and points all senses to Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). • Christ-Exalting Focus – Conversation centers on Jesus, not on Mary. – Genuine worship spotlights the Lord alone (Revelation 4:11). Principles for Our Worship Today 1. Offer sacrificially—worship costs something (Romans 12:1). 2. Bow low—humility clears the way for God’s exaltation (1 Peter 5:6). 3. Engage personally—move beyond formality into heartfelt devotion (Psalm 103:1). 4. Obey promptly—honor the Spirit’s prompting without delay (Hebrews 3:15). 5. Aim for overflow—seek worship that permeates and edifies the entire fellowship (Colossians 3:16). A Closing Picture Mary’s fragrant outpouring invites us to lay our treasures, dignity, and timing at Jesus’ feet, filling every “house” we enter with the unmistakable aroma of wholehearted worship. |
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