John 12:1-11
Six days before Passover Jesus was sitting at a table in Bethany, in the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. The same Lazarus that died, and was resurrected by Jesus. "...a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead." (John 12:9) Because of this resurrection many Jews were putting their faith in Jesus, and so the chief priests planned to kill Lazarus also.
The man recently back from the dead sat at the table with Jesus, his sister Martha served supper, and Mary sat at Jesus' feet...
A precious bottle of imported spikenard oil in hand, Mary anointed the feet of Jesus, then wiped them with her hair. The spikenard was worth about a year's wages to a day laborer, quite costly, and so special it was used to anoint the head of kings. The extravagant gesture wasn't missed by Judas Iscariot. He condemned her actions; pouring a year's wages on someone's feet was wasteful, the poor would've benefited greatly from the sum.The same poor would've also benefited from the coins Judas stole from the money bag!
I don't know the motivation in Mary's heart as she sat at Jesus' feet that day. Was she giving her all, anointing Him as her King, serving Him in the best way she knew how? Jesus told Judas to leave her alone, her actions spoke of His upcoming burial. Mary was commended through the ages for her generous act.
Mary's act is thought provoking...
Is everything I value poured out at Jesus' feet, for His use?
Or am I holding on tightly, thinking I know what's best...
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