The Anointing

John 12: 1-8
Jesus entry into Jerusalem is imminent, six days before the Passover He stops in Bethany once again at the home of His dear friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.  While Lazarus reclines at the table and Martha dutifully serves Jesus supper Mary enters with a costly alabaster jar filled with pure nard, a rich aromatic perfume oil.  (Being a lavender grower myself, I like to think of it as lavender oil :)  The cost of the ointment was as much as a year's wage of a laboring man.  Mary must have given a great deal for this perfume or perhaps it was a precious gift that had been given to her.  Mary was a special woman, she loved people more than things and she loved Jesus more than she loved herself.  Despite the customs of the day in regards to women displaying such unseemly behavior as perfuming someone’s feet or allowing her hair to flow freely, all signs of a “wanton” woman, Mary pours out her affection and adoration for her Lord in the midst of a crowd.  She had sat at His feet on many occasions, listening to Him speak of His Heavenly Father and His Kingdom in Heaven.  She observed His manner with those He loved, His gentle tone of compassion and yet authority when He spoke.  She heard Him share eternal truths and stories time and time again, each time lovingly filling her heart and soul with life.  Now, by tending to His feet, she has an opportunity to bless Him and give Him comfort from His journeys. She is aware of the growing hostility towards Him and has heard that He speaks of His impending death, fearing for Him she longs to express herself.  Her pure love and devotion freely flow and mingle with the beautiful aroma of the oil that she has kept in a jar for just such a special occasion.  The wonderful fragrance diffuses throughout the whole house and blesses others as does our good deeds done towards the Lord with a pure heart.  She was chided by one of the disciples for her extravagance but the Lord quickly comes to her defense as He does for us when our ways please Him.  We do not need to fear what others think when we show our devotion for our Lord, He is near and will protect.