John 12:1-11 CSB
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. [2] So they gave a dinner for him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with him. [3] Then Mary took a pound of perfume, pure and expensive nard, anointed Jesus's feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [4] Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betray him), said, [5] "Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" [6] He didn't say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it. [7] Jesus answered, "Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of my burial. [8] For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." [9] Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead. [10] But the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also, [11] because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.
Six Days
In life, we will always be confronted with choices. Often, pride can take over, and the thought rises to the forefront: I am right. During stressful times when we feel attacked, a good coping mechanism is to call a “time-out.” Rather than responding in anger, we should spend time in prayer, asking the Father to help the relationship and temper our response. In that quiet moment, we can ask Him to show us if our own pride is keeping us from seeing our own faults.
It is safe to assume that no other miracle exasperated the Jewish leaders more than the raising of Lazarus. Because it wasn’t done on the Sabbath, they couldn’t use their usual legalistic arguments against Jesus. Everyone was talking about it, and the religious leaders were left with nothing negative to say. By not going immediately to the Passover, Jesus allowed the emotional upheaval of His enemies time to cool off.
Since they couldn’t vent their anger on Jesus yet, their attention turned toward Lazarus. They actually formulated a plan to kill him so the miracle would no longer be the talk of the town. Lazarus had become “Living Proof,” and that proof was drawing people away from the religious establishment and toward the Savior.
Six days before the Passover, Jesus and His closest followers gathered for a dinner. It was a celebration—Lazarus was alive! Martha served as she always did. How sweet are the feet of those who work in the background for the comfort of others, especially within the church. Mary also cared for Jesus, but in her own way. In an act of compassion, love, and immense personal sacrifice, she anointed Jesus’ feet with nard that cost a year’s wage.
Perfumes and ointments were traditionally used to mask the odor of decomposition during burial. While the disciples struggled to understand that Jesus was about to die, Mary seemed to sense the gravity of the moment. She humbly wiped His feet with her hair, anointing her Lord for the journey ahead.
This act of pure giving was met with the cold anger of Judas Iscariot. People can be consumed by money; for some, it’s a lapse, but for others, it is their very nature. Judas was stealing from the purse meant to support the ministry. Jesus’ response was direct: “Leave her alone.” He wasn’t telling us to ignore the poor—He elsewhere commands us to care for widows and orphans—but He was honoring Mary’s recognition of this unique, once-in-eternity moment. She was preparing His body for death and burial—the trial that would lead to Jesus’ resurrection and the saving of the world.
Reflection Questions
- When you feel attacked or “right” in a conflict, do you tend to charge in or do you take the time to let emotions cool and pray for a tempered response?
- Martha served in the background while Mary gave a public gift. Which role do you typically find yourself in, and how can you honor God in that specific position this week?
- Mary gave something that cost her a year’s wage. What is one “expensive” thing (time, forgiveness, or resources) the Lord might be asking you to lay at His feet today?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You for the different ways we are called to serve—whether in the quiet work of the background or in bold acts of sacrifice. Help us to keep our hearts free from the greed that consumed Judas and the pride that blinded the Sanhedrin. May our lives be a sweet fragrance to You as we prepare our hearts to continue to follow Jesus.
Amen.
