The Anointing

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:1-8

 The anointing of Jesus is a story that is told in all four gospels, but it is told differently in each one.  Here, in John, the setting is the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, perhaps not too long after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  Each gospel writer, it seems, has a particular point to make, and thus, they tell the story differently.  One thing is agreed upon --- Jesus was anointed.  

I picture the scene as a “thank you” dinner for Jesus.  Mary, Martha, and especially Lazarus, must have been extremely thankful for what Jesus had done when Lazarus was called out of the burial tomb.  Perhaps the “smell of death” was still in the air, and so Mary brought out the perfume.  John makes a point of saying the fragrance filled the room.  Even Jesus connects the theme of death with his impending death, saying that Mary might have had the perfume for his own burial.  The scene is filled with meaning as even Judas and his stinginess are mentioned as a contrast to Mary’s extravagant outpouring of devotion.

Mary’s act is one of pure, unbounded, worship at the feet of Jesus.  As she washes and anoints the feet of Jesus, she does what Jesus will teach his disciples to do in the next chapter.  The time is nearing when Jesus will be arrested and the events of his passion will unfold, but for Mary, right now is the time to worship and demonstrate her love and devotion toward her Lord.  Right now, while Jesus is in her home, while Jesus is present with her and her family, now is the time to worship and thank Jesus for all that he has done and all that he will do.

Prayer: Holy and merciful God, you are worthy of being praised; we worship and glorify your holy name.  We offer our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us and all that you have given us through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Turn us away from selfish ways; help us to see the gifts you desire to give us; open our hearts to receive your love and grace; lead us to worship you, in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.