Day 3 | Anointing at Bethany
One of my favorite stories of the week leading up to the crucifixion is when Jesus was at the house of Simon the leper. A woman approached him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, “She poured it on his head as he was reclining at the table.” The disciples were indignant (showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment).
Why would the disciples care that this woman made this choice, it was her perfume? We learn in John 12:3 that it was Mary who took the perfume and anointed Jesus’ feet. This didn’t make sense to the disciples, but to Mary it was the least she could offer. It gives me some assurance in a way that even the disciples that knew Jesus face to face still struggled with their human thoughts and interference. They were just thinking logically right? There’s not enough money to go around, so we could have sold this to feed more people. Makes sense to think this way, but Jesus responded, “Leave her alone; she kept it for the day of my burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12: 7-8
They couldn’t see that Jesus was about to pour His life out for them, but Mary knew. Jesus saved Mary, and taking her most prized possession and pouring it out for him, preparing him for burial was something Mary just had to do. There are so many lessons wrapped into this story, but I think what convicts me the most is asking myself if I would be like Mary or be like the disciples? What am I holding onto as a prized possession, is there anything that I think is more important than praising God?
Take some time and write out what you value most in your life, whether it’s material items, people in your life, a job, or something else; now can you hand it over and pour it out on Jesus? This is a lesson in the position of your hearts toward Jesus and God, and who they really are.
Father God, thank you for constantly showing up, even when I don’t. Thank you for bringing new life to the resurrection week and showing me where my heart needs changing. Thank you for the sacrifice of your son, and thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. I am in awe of you. I pray for anyone reading this that they surrender fully to your plan for their life and see themselves and others as you see them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
More reading Matthew 26:6-13, John 12: 1-12