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| For reflective use only. This is an artistically generated image meant to illustrate biblical themes. |
Mary simply walked in, and the dinner had been prepared. Lazarus sat with Jesus. Martha served again. But Mary, discreet and deliberate, took a pound of pure nard, expensive, rare, and usually reserved for burial, and poured it on Jesus’ feet, then she wiped them with her hair
One of the disciples, Judas, voiced what some of the present may have thought: “Why was this ointment not sold and given to the poor?” (Jn 12:5). It sounded reasonable and practical, many would say. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone... She has kept it for the day of my burial” (Jn 12:7).
Mary saw something that the others missed. She may not have known all the details, but she sensed the heaviness of the moment. Jesus had been speaking of His death. Others argued or refused to accept it. But Mary understood it and prepared for it. She believed Him. She believed He was worth the cost.
The nard was worth a year’s wages. It could have been her future security. But she gave it in worship. She did not hold back when the hour came. She gave what she could, while she could. And Jesus called it beautiful (see also Mk 14:6).
There are moments in life when worship cannot wait. Mary did not save the ointment for another day; she gave it while Christ was with her. She knew the time was short. Nor did she respond to the criticism. She simply fixed her eyes on the Lord and gave Him what she could.
Worship is often misunderstood. It may often look impractical. It may also be costly and draw criticism. But the Lord sees what others do not. He knows when an offering is made from faith.
We may wonder how to show love to Christ. Mary shows one way: believe Him when He speaks. Respond while there is time. Honor Him with something that is important to you. Others may not understand. Some may speak against it, but the Lord will receive it.
Mary acted from love. And Christ received it, not just as a kind act, but as preparation for His burial. In doing so, Mary anointed the Son of God for His death before anyone else did. That hour would be remembered long after the fragrance faded.
Today, worship still costs something. It may cost our money, our reputation, and we may have to give up our convenience. Some will call it wasteful. But Christ sees it differently. He receives it when it comes from faith. And He remembers it.
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Clarification for Readers:
The Gospel accounts record two separate occasions where Mary of Bethany is found at the feet of Jesus. The first, found in Luke 10:38–42, took place during an earlier visit to their home, where Mary listened to His teaching while Martha served. The second, recorded in John 12:1–8, happened shortly before Christ’s death, when Mary anointed His feet with costly ointment. Both moments reflect Mary’s devotion, but they are not the same event.
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