I would like to share a timely reminder that the Lord has put in my path. Again and again it brings me to a place of deep contemplation and conviction. It truly tests the metal of the quality of my “service for the Lord.”
Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus. John 12:3
While thousands of Passover travelers were preparing for a joyous celebration, Jesus was preparing for His trial and crucifixion. The story contrasts the treachery of Judas and the leaders with the love and loyalty of Mary. The ugliness of their sins makes the beauty of her sacrifice even more meaningful.
In bible times, when a young woman reached the age of marriage her family would buy an alabaster box. They would fill it with expensive ointment. The size of the box and the value of the ointment would be equal to her family’s wealth. One day, Jesus was sharing a meal with His beloved friends. In comes Mary on the scene. She broke the alabaster box and poured the valuable ointment on Jesus’ head. It was this quality that would speak volumes of her humility, reverence, and hunger to serve her Lord.
Mary, more than any other individual in the New Testament, was marked in God’s word by being at Christ’s feet. She sat at His feet as a disciple, eager to learn of His will and word. She fell at His feet in worship and grief. She anointed His feet with precious ointment and wiped His feet with her lovely hair.
It’s so easy to miss the one element about Mary’s service. The absence of any conversation. Mary said nothing! While the others sat at the table, Mary was at her familiar place at the feet of Jesus. (Service that is truly given to the Lord does not need to draw attention to it self).
Herbert Lockyer quotes on Mary’s silence. “Silent love can be a mighty force. The greatest work in the world is not accomplished by the best talkers.”
Mary had been the recipient of priceless truth from the lips of Jesus. Now she is lavish in her thanks. The box of perfume would cover the cost of one years wages. (Pure nard), is genuine and unadulterated
While the odor of the perfume was sweet to many, it smelled of waste to others. Judas criticized what Mary was doing. Judas with his calculating mind quickly figured up the cost of it and called it wasted on Jesus. But Judas clothed his wicked heart. He sited that the cost of the perfume could have been used to feed the poor.
I love how Jesus held back from exposing Judas. Jesus was assured that everything was in His Father’s hands. When Jesus responded to Judas’ comment by saying, “the poor you always have with you.” He was not expressing indifference to the needs of the poor. Jesus was stating that He would be in their presence for just a short time longer. Now was the time to worship Him.
Jesus quickly replied to the pious talk of Judas. He commended Mary! She had done a good work. Here was the beauty of her service. She poured out that costly ointment for the sake of her Lord.
In Mark 14:9 Jesus responded, “Wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.” Jesus erected a verbal memorial to Mary who gave all she could.
How do you know if you have broken your alabaster box at the feet of Jesus? What is the most costly thing in your life? Are you willing to pour it out on the feet of the Lord?
Elizabeth George said, “Each day is precious when we consider what we can do to serve God and His Kingdom.”
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
