“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. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 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. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”” NIV
These verses sound familiar because we read them yesterday too!
Yesterday, we spoke about Mary’s boldness in expressing her faith, facing criticism for using such an expensive resource.
Today, we’re focusing on her humility and sacrifice.
When Mary anoints Jesus’s feet, she uses her hair to wipe them, symbolizing humility and sacrifice. This illustrates the importance of serving Jesus and others with a humble heart, being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
I can’t think of many things more humble than using your hair to anoint someone’s feet. And with your most expensive resource?
What makes us hold onto too tightly in our pride and/or in our material wealth? What would it look like to give it to Jesus?
I’m not saying to give your most valuable possessions away out of guilt or obligation to a church or leader.
What I’m challenged with (and I’m assuming maybe you are, too) is when I get that little prompting… that nudge to give or step out in humility in service to God.
What do we do with that?
Pray: God, please show me what I’m holding too tightly and what I should do with it. Teach me what Mary’s humility really means. In Jesus name, Amen.
