“…she kept it for the day of my burial …” John 12:7
Think of a person you adored that you shared a gift with to represent your affection. Most likely you spent time looking for a gift meaningful to them. When did you share it? How did the recipient react upon getting it? Were others moved by its impact?
The Gospel of John has a story of a gift being shared with Jesus that was perfect, and in terms of worldly value, quite expensive.
There was a dinner party to celebrate Lazarus who Jesus recently raised from the dead. Family and friends joined together for a feast to celebrate Lazarus’ new life. There was joyful reflection and maybe even some laughter from the disciples around the miracle – “Laz, you should have seen the look on the Pharisees’ faces when they saw you walking out of the tomb...”
While Jesus shared a few minutes with Lazarus, his sister Mary approached quietly, knelt before Jesus, presented an alabaster jar and created a moment in history. As Jesus tenderly looked at her, Mary removed the top and instantly the room was filled with a heavy, earthy scent mixed with warm spice and damp soil. The nard oil represented deep-seated love and was valued at a year’s wages (John 12:5).
As guests looked on, Mary poured the oil on Jesus’ feet and caressed them with her hair. At first that seems like an inappropriate action, but at the core it is one of the most loving and gentle acts in history as she anointed Him.
We’re not sure how Mary could afford the nard, but the story demonstrates that Jesus meant everything to her. Not all the guests were impressed with her commitment. Judas, who would later betray Jesus for a meager sum of coins, was callous and exclaimed the nard should have been sold for money to “give to the poor” - or into his pocket as he was a cunning thief (John 12:6).
Mary’s anointing points to more than just perfume – it was a preparation for a burial. This act of love and sacrifice points to the ultimate sacrifice and love for all mankind – the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Just like Jesus raised her brother from the dead, Mary knew in her heart that Jesus was the “resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25).
We don’t need to buy Jesus’ love. All He wants from us is - us! To be 100% committed to sit at His feet and thank Him for the gift of eternal life promised for all who follow Him.
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