For reflective use only. This is an artistically generated image meant to illustrate biblical themes.
Mary did not ask for attention. She simply walked in. The dinner had been prepared. Lazarus sat with Jesus. Martha served again. But Mary, quiet and deliberate, took a pound of pure nard—expensive, rare, and usually reserved for burial—and poured it on Jesus’ feet, and she wiped them with her hair
Others were present, and they had opinions. One of the disciples, Judas, voiced what some may have thought silently: “Why was this ointment not sold and given to the poor?” (Jn 12:5). It sounded reasonable. Practical. 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 weight of the moment. Jesus had been speaking of His death. Others argued, dismissed, 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 was possibly her future security. But she gave it. Not in waste. 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. She did not expect applause. She did not respond to the criticism. She fixed her eyes on the Lord and gave Him what she could.
Worship is often misunderstood. It may look impractical. It may be costly. It may draw criticism. But the Lord sees what others do not. He knows when an offering is made not from surplus, but 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 matters to you. Others may not understand. Some may speak against it. But the Lord will receive it.
Mary did not wait for approval. She 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 moment would be remembered long after the fragrance faded.
Today, worship still costs something. It may cost money, reputation, or comfort. Some may 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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