Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one the his disciples (he who was about to betray Him) said, ” Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief and having charge of the money bag he used to him himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me. ” John 12:1-8.
Martha and Mary, two sisters, who are so different. I hope you have studied about them in earlier chapters. If you haven’t, you should. Today though, let’s look at Mary and Judas Iscariot.
Mary from the beginning of her relationship with Jesus, was a devoted follower. She loved her Messiah deeply. So deeply that her anointed Jesus feet with expensive oil shows her action as a great sacrifice, devotion, and love. Usually, the oil is poured over the head, yet she poured over His feet. A respectable woman in that day would not let her hair down in public. These two actions show her humility. she didn’t concern herself about what the people around her thought. She only cared about what Jesus thought of her. Do you care what others think of you versus how our Triune God thinks of you?
Now let’s look at Judas Iscariot. Total opposite of our devoted Mary. His heart, or desire for Jesus wasn’t truly there. He was more concerned about the cost of the perfume and really how much money he could have if it was sold. He was a thief and greedy. He was critical spirit towards Mary’s great love to Jesus. Judas used a cover up of benevolence to try to hide his true motives. However, Jesus put Judas Iscariot in his place, by speaking up for Mary.
Mary shows us great Faith and devotion that Jesus desires out of his followers. Take a look around. Are we truly faithful and devoted to God. Are we truly living form him they way the Bible says? Or are we twisting the Bible to meet our own selfish needs? Are we investing enough in shining our light for our Triune God?
This Easter season, join me on a journey for studying the passion week – Jesus last week on earth. Don’t think light of questions. Let’s deep our faith, devotion, and love for Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending you son Jesus to live among us. God as we explore the Passion Week for the next several days, speak to us and show us where we need to be in our relationship with you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
