MONDAY April 3, 2023
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 an open 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).
On one particular day, Mary of Bethany discerned and understood that Jesus’ death was approaching. She was a deeply spiritual woman, and her heart was moved to anoint Jesus. Mary took a pound of very expensive spikenard, a very costly fragrant oil, and anointed his feet. This was an act of love and pure devotion to her Lord. The perfume must have permeated the whole house.
Judas, one of the twelve disciples, spoke and criticized her costly sacrifice. He incited the other disciples to do the same:
John 12:4-5: 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?”
Mark 14:5: Judas and the other disciples criticized her sharply.
Judas’ heart was not right. What was the real reason he criticized her? This he [Judas] said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it (John 12:6).
Jesus stopped Judas’ divisiveness: “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always” (John 12:7-8).
Mary truly loved Jesus; Judas did not. He would eventually betray Jesus. Your actions reveal your devotion or your divisive heart.
Christianity is not devotion to work, or to a cause, or a doctrine, but devotion to a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.
~Oswald Chambers~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
