MARY GETS IT

“Then Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.’”  (John 12:1-8 NKJV)

Jesus was anointed by Mary in Bethany. Think about what a special moment this was for Jesus. In 36 hours, He would be on the cross -- and the only person who figured out the crucifixion and coming resurrection was Mary. The disciples had no idea what was going on! Imagine the understanding looks between Jesus and Mary as she washed His feet with perfume and worshiped Him.

Suddenly, Judas spoiled it all: “What a waste! And she’s spending it on You!” Can you imagine how much that hurt? Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has done a marvelous thing. She’s anointing My body for burial while I am still alive and can enjoy it.” Frankly, I’d rather have one rose right now while I can enjoy it than 10,000 after I’m dead and gone. I imagine that Jesus felt just like that.

They did not bathe often in those days. I’ve often wondered if Jesus got a whiff of Mary’s perfume as He hung on the cross. Then, He looked down from the cross and there was Mary. He must have thought, “God, bless her, she’s the only one who has figured it out.” 

-- Roger Barrier, excerpted from an article entitled “What Jesus Did Each Day During His Final Week”

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