Sunday 03 April 2022
- Bible Book:
- John
Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. (v. 3)
Background
The story of the anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary at Bethany marks the beginning of Passion Week. This is the most intense period of Lent when Christians actively remember Jesus’ final days: his unfair trial, his agony, suffering and passion, his crucifixion and his death. By this stage of Lent, through prayers, fasting and emulation, the faithful come ever closer to Christ's redemptive sacrifice.
In today's passage we read that a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, as it seems was always the case and in accordance with her gifts. It must have been costly to her, though, always be the one who served at the table. Mary, for her part, performed the most daring and intimate gesture; not only to anoint Jesus’s feet in public but to use the most expensive oil to do so.
Mary’s act of devotion to Jesus was certainly costly, not only because of the price of the perfume but also because it was a rather different and unexpected gesture. Such expensive oil would normally be used to anoint the head. The guest's feet would be attended by a servant. Mary’s behaviour was an unconventional act. And Jesus accepted and welcomed it. In other accounts in the gospels, Jesus said that wherever his story be told, Mary would be remembered because of such love poured out in that unconventional and costly way.
This is different from other stories we get about Jesus in the gospels, not least because it is rather sensual and intimate. Someone is doing something nice to Jesus, instead of him ministering to their needs. You could read all sorts of meaning into it. What is Mary honouring? Jesus the Rabbi? Jesus’ determination to pursue his mission to the end? Her love for the man? Is her anointing him a sign of the suffering and death that is to come soon?
To Ponder:
- Mary's response to Christ was costly and unconventional. What does this story tell you about different responses to redemption in Christ?
- How could the anointing of Jesus’ feet become more explicitly part of our Lenten disciplines? What would it teach people observing Lent?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I offer you my unconventional response to your love. Will you accept it?