What is the meaning of John 12:3? Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume – Mary of Bethany (John 11:2) deliberately sets aside what was likely her most valuable possession. – Mark 14:3 notes that the jar alone was alabaster—another sign of costliness. – True devotion always involves choice and sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24). made of pure nard – Nard came from the Himalayas; its purity meant it was undiluted and therefore extravagant. – Songs 1:12 links nard with bridal love, hinting at Mary’s affectionate loyalty to Christ. – Nothing but the best is suitable for the One she recognizes as Messiah (Malachi 1:14). and she anointed Jesus’ feet – Anointing normally honored a head (Psalm 23:5), yet Mary lowers herself to Jesus’ feet. – This anticipates His own foot-washing of the disciples (John 13:5) and underlines servant-hearted worship (Matthew 20:28). – It also prefigures His burial (John 12:7; Mark 14:8). and wiped them with her hair – Letting her hair down in public was culturally unguarded; Mary surrenders reputation for devotion (Luke 7:38). – Hair, called a woman’s “glory” (1 Corinthians 11:15), becomes a towel—she places her glory at His feet (Psalm 29:2). – Genuine worship is humble, personal, and costly (Micah 6:8). And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume – The aroma reached everyone present, turning private worship into a corporate blessing (Philippians 4:18). – 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says believers spread “the fragrance of the knowledge of Him,” just as Mary’s act made Christ unmistakable. – Even today, sacrificial love for Jesus permeates and refreshes the surrounding environment (Ephesians 5:2). summary Mary’s lavish, humble act shows wholehearted love for Jesus: costly in value, lowly in posture, and unmistakable in impact. Her worship anticipates the cross, models servant-hearted devotion, and fills every place with the sweet testimony that Jesus is worthy of our very best. |
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