*written by Kara Moses
When I first approached this passage, I was immediately confused. There are two extremely similar passages describing women anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. I never realized that there were two separate occasions until now. Both instances saw the woman involved criticized, one by a pharisee for her reputation (she was a prostitute), and one by the disciple Judas (the betrayer who was also a thief) for wasting money. Both times Jesus defended the woman for her actions and motivation.
The passage we are looking at today is not about the harlot but Mary, the sister of Lazarus.
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 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.
4 But 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.” 6 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.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,] but you will not always have me.”
John 12:1-7
Can you imagine being Mary and fearing for the future of someone who means so much to you? One who teaches like no one else ever has and defended your choice to sit at his feet and learn when others would prefer you stay busy in the kitchen. This is the man who came when your beloved brother died, crying with you but also doing the unthinkable: raising him from the dead after days in the grave and restoring him to you and all those who love him.
Can you imagine how you would feel knowing this incredible man is despised by the religious leaders and is in danger of being arrested?
Mary responds with extravagant love. She is extravagant in her gift. It cost a year’s wages. It would be completely out of reach for many to own this costly perfume, but somehow Mary has managed it, and she chooses to use every bit of it on Jesus. The whole house smells of it and Jesus recognizes this act as preparing him for burial. He seems to indicate that her motive involves some understanding of what he is about to face.
Mary is also extravagant in her love by breaking social norms. She lets down her hair in public which would not be done in that culture. She is willing to be wasteful, even inappropriate for this chance to show her Lord how she feels about him.
So how do we see ourselves in this story? I quickly thought of how I might fall into the trap of judging others for what seems wasteful or being stingy with my own resources, talents or time when it comes to what I am willing to do out of love for my Lord. Do I recognize His worth and my reasons for showing extravagant love, even in the face of judgment from others?