Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume,Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is known for her devotion to Jesus. The act of taking a pint of expensive perfume signifies a significant sacrifice, as such perfumes were costly and often reserved for special occasions. The perfume, identified as pure nard, was imported from the Himalayan region, indicating its high value and rarity. This act of generosity and devotion is a reflection of Mary's deep love and reverence for Jesus, contrasting with the materialistic concerns of others, such as Judas Iscariot, who later criticizes her actions. Mat 26:7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar… made of pure nard, Nard, or spikenard, is a fragrant oil derived from the root of the nard plant, native to India. Its purity indicates that it was unadulterated and of the highest quality, making it extremely valuable. In biblical times, nard was used in the preparation of incense and perfumes and was often associated with kingship and burial practices. This connection foreshadows Jesus' impending death and burial, highlighting Mary's prophetic insight into His mission. Mrk 14:3 While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table… and she anointed Jesus’ feet Anointing was a common practice in ancient times, often signifying consecration or preparation for a special purpose. By anointing Jesus' feet, Mary demonstrates humility and devotion, as feet were considered the dirtiest part of the body. This act prefigures Jesus' own washing of the disciples' feet, emphasizing servanthood and love. Anointing also has messianic implications, as the term "Messiah" means "Anointed One," pointing to Jesus' divine role and mission. Luk 7:38 As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began… and wiped them with her hair. In Jewish culture, a woman's hair was considered her glory and was usually kept covered in public. By using her hair to wipe Jesus' feet, Mary displays an intimate and personal act of worship, disregarding social norms and potential criticism. This act of vulnerability and devotion underscores the depth of her faith and love for Jesus, serving as a model for believers in their own expressions of worship and surrender. Luk 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon,… And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. The spreading fragrance symbolizes the far-reaching impact of Mary's act of worship. Just as the scent permeated the house, the story of her devotion has permeated the Christian narrative, serving as an enduring testament to the power of sacrificial love. This imagery also evokes the idea of Christ's sacrificial death, which brings a "fragrance" of salvation to the world, as referenced in 2 Corinthians 2:15, where believers are described as the "aroma of Christ." 2Co 2:14-15 But thanks be to God, who always leads us… Persons / Places / Events 1. MarySister of Martha and Lazarus, known for her devotion to Jesus. In this passage, she demonstrates her love and reverence for Jesus through an extravagant act of worship. 2. Jesus The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is anointed by Mary in this passage, symbolizing His impending death and burial. 3. Nard A costly perfume derived from a plant in the Himalayas, symbolizing the value and sacrifice in Mary's act of worship. 4. The House Likely the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany, a place where Jesus often found hospitality and friendship. 5. The Anointing This event foreshadows Jesus' death and burial, as anointing was a customary practice for preparing a body for burial. Teaching Points Extravagant WorshipMary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume teaches us about the value of giving our best to God, regardless of the cost. Humility and Service By wiping Jesus' feet with her hair, Mary demonstrates humility and service, reminding us to serve others selflessly. Foreshadowing of Sacrifice The anointing prefigures Jesus' sacrificial death, encouraging us to reflect on the significance of His sacrifice for our salvation. The Fragrance of Devotion Just as the fragrance filled the house, our acts of worship and devotion should permeate our lives and influence those around us. Criticism in Worship Mary faced criticism for her actions, yet she remained focused on Jesus. We are reminded to prioritize our devotion to Christ over the opinions of others. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Mary's use of expensive perfume teach us about the nature of true worship and sacrifice?2. How can we demonstrate humility and service in our daily lives, following Mary's example of wiping Jesus' feet with her hair? 3. In what ways does this passage foreshadow Jesus' death and burial, and how should this impact our understanding of His sacrifice? 4. How can we ensure that our acts of worship and devotion have a positive influence on those around us, similar to the fragrance filling the house? 5. How can we remain focused on Christ in our worship, even when facing criticism or misunderstanding from others? Connections to Other Scriptures Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26:6-13These passages recount similar events, emphasizing the significance of Mary's act of devotion and the criticism she faced. Luke 10:38-42 Highlights Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching, showing her consistent devotion and priority of spiritual matters. Song of Solomon 1:12 The use of perfume in a context of love and devotion, paralleling the intimate act of worship Mary performs. Psalm 23:5 The anointing of the head with oil as a sign of blessing and honor, reflecting the honor Mary bestows upon Jesus. People Andrew, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, Judas, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Philip, SimonPlaces Bethany, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Anointed, Availing, Costly, Dry, Expensive, Filled, Fragrance, Full, Hair, Herself, Mary, Nard, Odor, Odour, Oil, Ointment, Opportunity, Perfume, Perfumed, Pint, Pound, Poured, Precious, Price, Pure, Smell, Spikenard, Taking, Value, Weight, Wipe, WipedDictionary of Bible Themes John 12:3 4496 perfume 5699 guests Library Easter DayChester Cathedral. 1870. St John xii. 24, 25. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." This is our Lord's own parable. In it He tells us that His death, His resurrection, His ascension, is a mystery which we may believe, not only because the Bible tells us of it, but because … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons December 28 Evening September 8 Evening September 22 Evening May 8 Morning February 29 Morning June 12. "We Would See Jesus" (John xii. 21). November 19. "We Would See Jesus" (John xii. 21). May 8. "Except a Corn of Wheat Fall into the Ground and Die" (John xii. 24). April 14. "I if I be Lifted up from the Earth Will Draw all Men unto Me" (John xii. 32). After Christ: with Christ The Universal Magnet The Son of Man Love's Prodigality Censured and vindicated A New Kind of King A Parting Warning The Praise of Men. The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith. On the Words of the Gospel, John xii. 44, "He that Believeth on Me, Believeth not on Me, but on Him that Sent Me. " against A Christ Lifted Up Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning Sermon for St. Stephen's Day Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter. Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence that Many Pretending to be Original... Links John 12:3 NIVJohn 12:3 NLT John 12:3 ESV John 12:3 NASB John 12:3 KJV John 12:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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