A Sweet Fragrance
Scripture
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.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. (John 12:1-11).
Reflection
We all can think of people in our lives who’ve been a blessing to us. On a cold day, they give us their coat, when we’re too busy to run an errand, they are glad to help us out, and when we’re feeling down, they always check in to make sure we’re okay. These people make a huge difference in our lives. Their presence is like a sweet fragrance to us.
Martha served a dinner in Jesus’ honor. Lazarus, the disciples and others were reclining at the table with him when her sister Mary knelt down and poured a pint of expensive perfume on Jesus, wiping his feet with her hair and filling the house with its unique fragrance. While Martha and Mary, each in her own way, expressed love and gratitude to Jesus for raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus knew that his own death was less than a week away.
Martha needed to express her gratitude with a meal—one might think Jesus had other things to do, things to prepare for in the days before his suffering and death, yet he reclined at the table she had prepared. He not only received what she offered, he used the mealtime to teach us of his loving acceptance of who we are and what we have to offer him. He also reminds us of his great love, acceptance, and welcome for those he loves.
Mary gave Jesus what she probably considered all she had of value. Yet she offered him so much more as she knelt before him. Imagine what the perfume, traditionally used for burial, must have meant to Jesus. He knew that Mary would not be able to use the nard for his burial; there would be no need. The fragrance of the perfume could have reminded him of what was to come, that like Mary’s gift poured out, so his blood would soon be poured for the sin and salvation of those who believed in him (Matthew 26:28). He welcomed, not only the perfume, but her humble worship—an offering with a value far greater than any perfume—an aroma most pleasing to the Lord.
Paul wrote that we have redemption through Jesus’ blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace, that he lavished on us (Ephesians 1:7, 8). In return let us be extravagant in offering all of who we are, all of what we have to him, knowing that he gladly receives us and welcomes our gifts of love and worship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for your great love you lavished on me, that I should be called a child of God! Your love for me is sweeter than any other love I could ever know. Help me to share this love willingly and freely with those around me. Amen
2024 Lenten Journey
Adrian Brown