John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
Jesus answered, "Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
The smell of that perfume must have been overwhelming, rich and deep, filling the space where they reclined. Mary’s act was not subtle; it was lavish, costly, and utterly devoted. While the disciples focused on the waste, Jesus saw preparation for burial. Her love was anointing him for what was to come.
Extravagant love looks wasteful to those who measure by worldly standards. Yet Jesus defended Mary’s act, saying it was done in preparation for his burial. Sometimes our most faithful actions appear impractical to others, but they are precisely what honors him.
What would it look like for me to pour out my most precious possessions not as a gesture but as an act of worship? Mary held nothing back. She gave the best she had, not counting the cost. Her love was a prelude to the ultimate sacrifice he would soon make.
"Leave her alone"
He still defends those who love him extravagantly. When we give our best, our time, our resources, our very selves, he sees it as beautiful preparation. Not because he needs our gifts, but because our generosity reflects the heart of the one who gave everything for us.
With the scent of nard still in my mind and a heart challenged to give more, Claire