John 12
Read John Chapter 12 :: Here
Devotional ::
“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
John 12:1–8 ESV
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Jesus, just days from his showdown with the cross, stops for a visit with some of his very closest friends. The brother and two sisters take up their customary positions, Martha serving, Lazarus kicked back, and Mary close by, simply enjoying the presence of the Lord. But this night was different.
Mary takes this opportunity to give her most extravagant and precious gift to Jesus, for she knew that he would be leaving them soon. She withheld nothing. This beautiful display of worship, although challenged by the seemingly “religious” was immortalized as Jesus makes the statement, “8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Mk 14:8–9 ESV
What amazing words. Jesus actually says that when the gospel is preached worldwide, this story will accompany it. Why? To make Mary famous? I think not. It’s because Mary’s response to Jesus is what all of our responses should be to the good news of the gospel. Lavish, pure, extravagant, heartfelt, worship should be our response to Jesus! Giving to him that which is precious to us, not caring about who sees, who questions, or who misunderstands is what Jesus calls “a beautiful thing”.
On the other hand, we see Judas quick to criticize. That’s what people often do when they don’t understand a thing. He dresses up his criticism in the appearance of heartfelt concern for the poor, but John reveals the true heart behind his words. But like always, Jesus comes to the defense of Mary.
I have a feeling Mary would have chosen to not hear the criticism either way - she had eyes only for Jesus, so nothing else mattered!
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Reflect ::
•What has possibly kept you from responding to Jesus like Mary did, both in church and in your personal time with Jesus?
•How can you wage war against the critical nature of Judas in your own heart?
Prayer ::
Jesus, I love you. There’s no one and no thing more precious than you. I love you and I just want to know you and love more today than ever before. Open my eyes to see you more clearly.
{Now, in your own words, spend a couple of minutes not asking for anything, but rather, just telling Jesus what he means to you. Enjoy this time of worship.}