How does Mary's act of anointing Jesus demonstrate sacrificial love and devotion? Setting the Scene Six days before Passover, Jesus is in Bethany, reclining at a dinner in His honor. Lazarus—whom He raised from the dead—is there, Martha is serving, and Mary steps forward. John 12:3 records: “Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” The Extravagant Gift • Pure nard was imported from the Himalayas—about 300 denarii in value, nearly a year’s wages. • Mary pours out the whole flask, not a cautious dab. Her act echoes David’s resolve: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). • Sacrificial love is measurable: it costs. Mary’s devotion is tangible, costly, and intentional. Personal Humility and Intimacy • She anoints His feet—normally reserved for servants—embracing the lowest place. • She wipes them with her hair, letting down her glory (1 Corinthians 11:15) in utter surrender. • Nothing is too undignified when love is consuming; personal pride bows before the Lord. Prophetic Foreshadowing of the Cross • Jesus affirms in Mark 14:8, “She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.” • Mary’s perfume anticipates the costly, fragrant sacrifice of Christ Himself (Ephesians 5:2). • Her gift proclaims the gospel before the cross is even raised—love preparing Love for death. Fragrance Filling the House—The Reach of Devotion • John notes, “the house was filled with the fragrance.” True devotion permeates every space. • Paul later writes, “Thanks be to God…who manifests through us the fragrance of the knowledge of Him” (2 Corinthians 2:14). • A single act of surrendered worship influences everyone present—then and now. Contrast: Judas’ Indignation • Judas objects: “Why wasn’t this perfume sold…?” (John 12:5). The Holy Spirit exposes his thievery. • Mary’s selfless giving is set against Judas’ self-seeking greed, sharpening the lesson. • Devotion and resentment cannot occupy the same heart; one will crowd out the other. Timeless Call to Follow Mary’s Example • Value Christ above all else—Philippians 3:8: “I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” • Offer Him costly obedience—Romans 12:1: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices…your spiritual service of worship.” • Choose humility—James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” • Let your love influence others—Matthew 26:13: “Wherever this gospel is preached…what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Mary’s nard is long gone, yet the scent of her sacrificial devotion still lingers, calling every believer to pour out everything for the One who poured out His life for us. |
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