Mary, Sister of Lazarus

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 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.  John 12:1-3

It's less than a week before the Passover.  Less than a week before Jesus offers himself to be the sacrificial lamb, the ultimate offering to God for sins. 

Jesus knows what is coming.  And although he's been telling his disciples and followers what is coming, they have allowed themselves to not hear the truth.  They have been deadened to what Jesus is really doing, why he is really here.

But not Mary.  Now, don't get wrapped up in the fact that John says this happened at Lazarus' house and other gospels say it was at Simon the Leper's house.  Do a little studying and you'll see that these stories aren't conflicting.  What we want to focus on today is Mary, and what she is doing for her God, her Savior.

Mary's act of devotion highlights her sincerity and her spiritual insight into what Jesus is about to do.  It also shows the indifference of the disciples, whose only reaction is indignation over the cost of the perfume (verses 4-6).  John records Judas' reaction, but the other gospels show that Judas was simply the mouthpiece for the other disciples' thoughts.

How could Mary - a mere woman - see what these men could not see?  Remember, this is the woman who sat at Jesus' feet instead of helping to prepare food.  This is the woman who absorbed Jesus' teachings.  Who saw him raise her brother from the dead.

Really, the question is not, how could she believe such things?  The question is really, why didn't the others?  they all saw the same things.  Why did some believe and others not? 

The same thing can be asked of us today, and I really don't have an answer!  The point is that Mary performed an act of courage and devotion. 

Bible.org says that Mary's act revealed three ways she knew Christ: 

1. King: Such an extravagant gift(the alabaster oil) was only lavished on a king. This was very appropriate in view of the fact that on the next day He would proclaim Himself the King of Israel through his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

2. Priest: John 12:3 and Mark 14:8 define this as an anointing. As priests were anointed, this is in keeping with the fact that Christ was a Royal Priest and was about to make atonement for His people.

3. The Savior Who Must Die: As He had told the disciples that He must die, so He must have also told her. While they were unable to grasp this, Mary did. She undoubtedly recognized her sin and need of a suffering Savior and did this as an act of faith and devotion. She understood the reason for His death (her sin), and the significance of His death (her salvation).

Mary's act of devotion was a necessary part of the coming week.  Through her anointing, she proclaimed Jesus as king, priest, and savior.   Her outpouring of love, no matter the cost, not worrying about what others think, shows us the importance of following our hearts, not the demands of others.  We must look to him, not the world.  We must live for an audience of one, not the approval of many.  

Mary loved Jesus in a way that few did at that time.  She grasped his role in her life, and she fell utterly and completely in love with him.  

Are you in love with Christ?  Are you willing to throw yourself at his feet?  Can you defy the conventions of this world - even the church - to devote yourself totally to him?  

It isn't easy.  But it's worth it.