John 12:3
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.
Max Lucado describes this as an act of risky, extravagant love. Jesus defended Mary, because not all of those who were present felt good about her “waste” of money. It seems she had known it was exactly perfect to act at that moment. This was an act of love, not a financial transaction.
Holy Lord, sometimes showing our love and commitment to you can involve some risk. Help me to see when I have an opportunity to step out and pour my love on you. I realize it will not look like Mary and her jar of nard, but help me to see it when the time comes, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
John 12:3
Unlike the disciples, Mary fully understood what was to happen to Jesus. She gave her most valuable possession out of love and adoration despite the ridicule she received. Her love for Christ was unwavering and deep.
Dear God, guide me daily to love Christ deeply and in an unwavering manner as Mary shows me. Help me to bear witness and show my love for Christ ashamedly. Thank you God for your Grace. Amen.
John 12:3
I can almost smell the perfume. At this point in Jesus' story, Mary knew. She understood what he kept telling everyone. She had listened intently to him while Martha scolded her. She watched him call her brother back from the dead. Now in Simon's house, she does what some modern scholars call an erotic act. They certainly are not familiar with the entire story. What a sacrifice Mary made. The perfume was more than just expensive, it was worth an entire year's wages. She understood who Jesus was and also the danger ahead for him. This was an act of sacrifice and the anointing Jesus deserved.
Prayer: Gracious God, May I smell the perfume as I continue t…
Thursday, March 6th, 2025 ( 2nd day of lent)
John 12:3
Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Jesus is complimenting Mary for anointing his feet with expensive perfume. Mary's use of rare, expensive perfume to anoint Jesus rather than selling it for charity indicates she prioritized expressing devotion to Christ above all other concerns. This was worship that overflows from love.. How could we as modern day Christians worship Jesus in such an equivalent way?
Jesus is calling us to an act of devotion that involves sacrificing something of significant value,…
John 12:3
Giving an extravagant gift out of pure love evokes feelings that are hard to describe. Lucado writes that Mary, among all the disciples, was the one who best understood the gravity of the days ahead and felt the urgency of lavishing her gift on Jesus at that precise time. Genuine love tells us when it is time to give of ourselves with reckless abandon to show the object of our affection the depth of our love for them. How far would be willing to go in 2025 to demonstrate our love for Jesus in a culture that seems to be turning away from Him?
Prayer - Jesus, Son of God, please accept the meager gifts that we offer…