MONDAY April 11, 2022
A Day of Anointing
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
John 12:3
Jesus often visited the house of Mary and Martha in Bethany. They had a home of hospitality. As their dear friend, Jesus was always a welcomed guest. On one occasion, Martha had complained to Him about Mary, as she failed to help her in serving. Mary had chosen instead to sit undistracted at Jesus’ feet, listening to His Word (Luke 10:38-42).
Mary was a spiritual woman; she discerned and understood that Jesus’ suffering and death were approaching. So on this particular day, she was moved to anoint Jesus. Mary took an alabaster box, broke it, and anointed her Lord with its contents of spikenard, a very costly perfume. This was an act of love and pure devotion to her Lord. The perfume must have permeated the whole house. Mary did her best and gave her one sacrifice of worship to Christ she had done what she could for her Master.
However, Judas, the betrayer, instantly spoke to criticize her devotion. He complained against Mary’s sacrifice to the point of influencing the other disciples to do the same:
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (John 12:4-5). Judas and the other disciples criticized her sharply (Mark 14:5).
Jesus, as Mary’s Defender, immediately stopped the divisive complaint of Judas against her:
“…Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could: she has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial” (Mark 14:6-8).
This was a lasting memorial––Mary’s sacrifice was honored (Mark 14:9).
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.
~D.L. Moody~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
