Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived,
whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor.
Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume and poured
it on Jesus' feet, then wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled
with the fragrance of the perfume.
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,
“Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was
worth a year's wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor
but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help
himself to what was put into it.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this
perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you,
but you will not always have me” (Jn 12:1-8).
In a matter of days, Passion Week will be upon us. So, let's travel to Bethany, the closest thing to a home-away-from-home for Jesus.
Six days prior to Jesus' final meal, He shared a meal with friends. Peer into this intimate setting and take special note of Mary's lavish worship.
Be reminded that devotion can be costly.
Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Imagine the intoxicating aroma. The house was filled with the sweet fragrance of her worship.
Mary poured out her most valuable possession onto her Master—for He poured out His love upon her.
Remember to be extravagant in your worship of the Holy One of Israel.
Father, I pour out my worship to soothe those nail-scarred feet of my Lord and Master. May the aroma of love fill heaven’s throne room for you to delight in.