1 Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” 6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. 7 Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”
Message: The Anointing of Jesus
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: After raising Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11, the Pharisees plot to seize Jesus to kill him. Jesus goes to Ephraim (v. 54). The Passover is at hand (v. 55) and now in chapter 12 Jesus returns to Bethany (v. 1). Mary and Martha prepare a supper for him there with Lazarus reclining at the table (v. 2). [Note: from other Bible passages this is the home of Simon the Leper, who is likely part of this family.] The disciples seem to be present (v. 4) when Mary takes costly perfume and anoints Jesus' feet, wiping His feet with her hair filling the house with the fragrance of the perfume (v. 3). [Note: Matthew and Mark state the perfume is anointed on his head, so perhaps there is so much perfume that it is on his feet as well, pouring down or done separately.] Judas however is amazed because he says the perfume (equal to 11 month's wages) could have been sold and the money given to the poor, he says (v. 5). His words sounds noble, but John provides us more information here about Judas Iscariot, namely that he was the keeper of the money or rather he had the money box and he really wasn't concerned about the poor, rather he wants to hold onto to the money so he can take some of it for himself (v. 6).
Jesus responds to the statement by Judas stating that Mary should be left alone. And the perfume should be kept for his burial. Poor will always be present but Jesus being with us is temporary. Thus, there is a correct time to give to the poor, but at this time, this is the time for Jesus. This anticipates His burial when it will once again be used at the day of His burial.
It is not clear at first why Mary does this. Her family must be wealthy for her to even have this flask of perfume. She is still thankful for the raising of Lazarus. She must have some extravagant love for Jesus.
Summary: Jesus is anointed by Mary after a meal is served and cites this is His time for this rather than giving to the poor from the proceeds of the sale of perfume.
Promise: We are to use our resources to honor Christ and His church at the appropriate time, as we are led.
Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom about the timing of giving to those in need. I have people in my life that have monetary needs. I have befriended them and they continually look to me to rescue them. They are young. Help me to know when it is appropriate to give and when I need to teach them. Help me in other circumstances to know when to give of my time in ministering to others and sharing with others the truth of Your love. Give me this wisdom. Help me to be a good stewards of all of the gifts that You have given me. Be glorified always in my life.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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