Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” vs. 3
John 12:1-3
John, after telling how Lazarus received new life at the hands of Jesus, goes on to share a story about Mary and Martha that reminds us of Luke’s story of the sisters. Again, Martha is the one given to serving, and she takes charge of the celebratory dinner. But this time Mary isn’t content with just listening to Jesus. She also takes action, anointing Jesus’ feet with a pound of costly nard, and then wiping them with her hair. It was an extravagant gesture of love and did not go unnoticed. In fact the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Love frequently has this effect in our lives, especially when we’re in the throes of a romantic attachment. In those moments even normally frugal folks will max out their credit cards in some attempt to win the hearts of their beloved. But that’s not what Mary was up to. Her love for Jesus was of an entirely different kind. It was a spiritual connection, and her loving gesture was done purely to give him thanks and praise. Many believers continue to express such generosity in their relationship to Jesus, and have come to regularly give enormous gifts on a weekly basis in support of his mission. They do it not to get special standing in his kingdom but as an unmistakable act of love.
Thought for the Day: How do I show my love for Jesus?
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