In John 12, Jesus is at Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ house. It is a place Jesus visited often. But in this case, He has just raised Lazarus from the dead (after 4 days in the tomb). The place must have been abuzz – with the actual event plus all the visitors who were coming to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The religious authorities are plotting to end this Jesus before things really get out of hand.
It is in this setting that Mary does something extravagant for Jesus. She anoints Jesus’ feet with some expensive perfume and dries them off with her hair. The perfume was worth a year’s wages. I can’t even begin to think about giving something that valuable to or for another, never mind actually doing it. Could you?
Yet Mary felt led to do this for Jesus. True, He has just raised Lazarus from the dead – for this she was surely grateful. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had long had a special relationship with Jesus. He often visited their house and taught there. She probably considered Jesus a friend and a teacher.
But is makes me think – could I do something so extravagant? I too have a special relationship with Jesus. I too am grateful to him – not for raising my brother but for my redemption that He bought with His blood on the cross. Jesus will one day also raise me to eternal life. I too spend time with Jesus and like to learn from him. How about you? Do these things apply to you as well? Then it is probably: we all have a relationship, we all spend time, we were all bought.
Maybe Mary sensed that Jesus’ death was drawing near and that this was all she could really offer. A simple but very loving gesture.It is written that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, that the time and hour in unknown to all but God.
Do we live out extravagant love for Jesus and others? Do we offer our best every day like each day is it? Do you want to be standing there with a jar of perfume in your hand when He returns? During this Holy Week, may we take the opportunities that ARE there to offer our best for Jesus!
pastorjohnb 