Scripture:
“Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.” (John 12:3 NLT)
Reading:
Imagine enjoying dinner, the room filled with friends, and the scent of food lingering in the air. The occasion? A meal in honor of Jesus, the One who just days before called Lazarus, who was dead and buried, back to life. The energy around the table is buzzing with gratitude, awe, and expectation.
And then silence.
Perhaps it is the scent that catches your attention or maybe the soft sound of movement nearby. You glance up from your plate and see Mary, eyes brimming with tears, as she pours an expensive, fragrant perfume over Jesus’ feet. She kneels low, and with her own long hair, gently wipes them dry. This is not a moment of hospitality. It is worship. It is surrender. And it is deeply personal.
The Lord tenderly received this moment from Mary. In fact, throughout the New Testament we see that Jesus received everything brought to Him that aligned with the heart of God.
Having encountered the love and power of Jesus, Mary gave to Jesus what cost her deeply - her treasure and reputation.
Meanwhile, the leaders who believed in Him remained silent. Their fear of rejection and hunger for approval kept them from stepping forward.
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” (John 12:42-43)
Friend, is there anything keeping you from fully pouring your life out at the feet of Jesus? Approval of others? Fear of being misunderstood?
Because anything that keeps you from Him is bondage. And bondage never comes from God.
Allow your devotion to the Lord to come through. He will receive you, defend you, and honor you (John 12:7, Matthew 26:13). He may even call it beautiful.
“Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” (Matthew 26:10)
Your Turn:
1. Do you tend to hold back your devotion to Jesus because you fear being judged?
2. Will your actions today be remembered as “a beautiful thing” done for Jesus? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can best worship Him today.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for receiving me. I confess fear and valuing people’s opinions over our relationship. Help me to love You with my entire being - heart, soul, strength, and mind. Please show me how to give my best to You today. You are worth it all. Amen.