John 12: 1-8
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus 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 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.
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.”
A Thought
Here Mary has chosen the place of worship at the feet of Jesus by giving the very best she had–a pint of very expensive perfume, without considering the cost. Others had come to the feet of Jesus to receive while Mary came out of love and thankfulness to give. Yes, I believe we come to Christ Jesus to receive, but after we receive we should be willing to give what we receive to others.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for showing us what true worship is–to give without considering the cost. You gave us life through your Son, help us to give our life back to you through obedience to your word. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
