How can something wasteful also be beautiful? It sounds like an oxymoron. When I think of waste, the image of the garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean comes to mind. There's absolutely nothing beautiful about plastic bottles, toys, and other debris littering the salty waters. However, this phrase also reminds me of the story of Mary, the sister of Lazarus. In studying the Bible, we gain deeper insight into stories once read routinely. Ask questions and search out possible answers. Then the Holy Spirit will give new revelation. Here are several questions that I pondered in reading this story.
So, who was Mary? For years, I assumed that she was the same woman who broke the famous alabaster box according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Or maybe she was Mary Magdalene, the woman known for being possessed with seven demons. John paints a different picture of her. Lazarus and his sisters were close friends of Jesus. Luke details an account of their family entertaining Jesus on His visit to their city. Mary intently sat at His feet listening to His every word. He was the good Teacher with the words of life. Fast-forward to the resurrection of her beloved brother. Overjoyed by this miracle, she pours the oil representing her adoration over Jesus. Likely, this miracle ignited the realization that Jesus was the true Messiah.
Now, what was so special about the oil? Not only did it arouse the attention of Judas Iscariot, but it also filled the home with its fragrance. This was clearly not the average perfume. Some translations refer to it as the essence of nard or spikenard. It was a very expensive oil extracted from a plant native to the Himalayas. The cost equated to approximately a year's salary! Due to its worth, the oil was used exclusively for anointing the bodies of loved ones for burial. Judas saw this as wasteful because he thought only of the monetary value of the oil. Mary recognized the value of her Savior and poured ALL the oil over Him.
Another question: why would Mary use her hair to dry His feet? Surely, there were plenty of towels or cloths set aside for such a task. The thought of doing so seems gross since I'm not really a feet person. During Biblical times, people wore sandals EVERYWHERE. It was customary for servants to wash feet upon entrance of the house. Yet, Jesus expressly states that His feet were not washed upon arrival. One can assume that His feet were dirty. Another important fact was that women typically kept their heads covered especially in the presence of men. Not only did Mary let down her hair, but she took on the role of a servant in wiping His feet. This simple act expressed great humility and reverence.
So, what would you waste on Jesus? If He asked for your time and money, would you invest it in those who can't return it? Would you trade your earthly ambitions for kingdom ones? When we fully recognize who Jesus is and what He's done on the cross, it is easy to say yes. It's not a wasteful act. Instead, we see it as an offering of our adoration. Pouring out our love on display for all to see!
Be encouraged! 😊
Written by: Christa Martina
FB Page: See Martina Write
Scripture Reference: John 12
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