Anointing His Feet

          

          Six days before the Passover, Jesus wentto Bethany, the home of Lazarus, the man he had raised from death. Theyprepared a dinner for him there, which Martha helped serve; Lazarus was one ofthose who were sitting at the table with Jesus. Then Mary took a whole pint ofa very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus' feet, and wipedthem with her hair. The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house.

One of Jesus' disciples, JudasIscariot—the one who was going to betray him—said, “Why wasn't this perfumesold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?” He saidthis, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. Hecarried the money bag and would help himself from it.

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone! Let herkeep what she has for the day of my burial. You will always have poor peoplewith you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:1-8, Good NewsTranslation)

 

Fromthese verses, you might take away that Mary had given this gift to Jesus – Healready has everything, so what other gifts could He receive? Or you mightthink only of that scoundrel Judas, knowing what he is going to do next byturning Jesus over to the authorities. Or you might think about this perfumebeing used to prepare Jesus for His burial a week before His death.

Ilooked up references to these verses on different websites and in my studyBible. You can find all the nuances in those places as well. But it was in my“Children’s Bible in 365 Stories” that I found what I wanted to say today.

WhenJudas rebuked Mary for wasting so much money – a year’s worth of wages by someestimates – her face fell. She had wanted to show her love for Jesus by thisgenerous gift and the humble act of washing His feet. She might have thought,“Oh, no, I messed this all up for my Lord, and now His disciples think I’mwasteful.”

ButJesus immediately jumped to her defense. Today, I’m going to remember thatJesus will always jump to my defense as well. There is nothing I can screw upso badly that I can’t turn to Him with tears in my eyes and an apology on mylips.

Hewill always smile at me and reassure me. He will always love me.