Daily Bread 2010 - John 12
John 12
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then 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.
4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6He 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.
7"Leave her alone," Jesus replied.” It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
Mary, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, always seems to get it right. And on this occasion, it is no different. While giving a party to honor Jesus at Passover time, she takes an expensive perfume and anoints Jesus’ head with it. This story is told in all four gospels with differing details. In this story clearly this is Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus.
In other accounts, the disciples are indignant about the gift, but in John’s version, it is Judas. Ironically he complains about that this money being could have been used for the poor instead, when in fact he would betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (a relatively inexpensive amount of money).
There is always the ethical issue of how much money we should spend on anything, versus giving the money to the poor. For instance, you could say why spend money on a coffin, when that money could be given to the poor. This seems a little silly. But the bottom line is that this act of sacrifice, from Mary’s pure heart, is an example to all of us. As the pint of pure nard was broken open to anoint Jesus for his burial, it symbolizes the broken and contrite heart that Mary offered to Jesus.
As the psalmist says, “The sacrifice acceptable to the Lord is a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart He will not despise.” Mary’s sacrificial gift challenges us to give to the Lord. The proper response to the indescribable and inestimable gift that Jesus has given us, is to give our best back to him.
What are some ways that you can give back to the Lord? What is He calling you to give to him that would be proper and fitting in light of what He has done for us?
Jesus, we thank you that you poured all of yourself for us as you lived your life and offered your body and blood for us on the cross. As we think about what you have done for us, inspire us to give back to you in a way that is fitting and extends the same grace you have given us to many others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then 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.
4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6He 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.
7"Leave her alone," Jesus replied.” It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
Mary, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, always seems to get it right. And on this occasion, it is no different. While giving a party to honor Jesus at Passover time, she takes an expensive perfume and anoints Jesus’ head with it. This story is told in all four gospels with differing details. In this story clearly this is Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus.
In other accounts, the disciples are indignant about the gift, but in John’s version, it is Judas. Ironically he complains about that this money being could have been used for the poor instead, when in fact he would betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (a relatively inexpensive amount of money).
There is always the ethical issue of how much money we should spend on anything, versus giving the money to the poor. For instance, you could say why spend money on a coffin, when that money could be given to the poor. This seems a little silly. But the bottom line is that this act of sacrifice, from Mary’s pure heart, is an example to all of us. As the pint of pure nard was broken open to anoint Jesus for his burial, it symbolizes the broken and contrite heart that Mary offered to Jesus.
As the psalmist says, “The sacrifice acceptable to the Lord is a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart He will not despise.” Mary’s sacrificial gift challenges us to give to the Lord. The proper response to the indescribable and inestimable gift that Jesus has given us, is to give our best back to him.
What are some ways that you can give back to the Lord? What is He calling you to give to him that would be proper and fitting in light of what He has done for us?
Jesus, we thank you that you poured all of yourself for us as you lived your life and offered your body and blood for us on the cross. As we think about what you have done for us, inspire us to give back to you in a way that is fitting and extends the same grace you have given us to many others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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