Genuine Worship
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the
fragrance of the oil. John 12:3
Last devotional I talked to you about being the fragrance of Christ in this world. Today we see a scene in the gospel of John that touches on that same theme. Here Mary (one of the followers of Jesus), breaks open a bottle of expensive perfume and anoints the feet of Jesus. What is happening here?
Several things:
First, Mary is worshipping and honoring Jesus. At first glance it may seem like a waste of money to pour out such costly perfume on Jesus. In fact we learn that Judas Iscariot thought that very thing. He wanted the perfume to be sold and the money put into the ministry fund, from which he was stealing. It is sad that in our flesh we can see things like worship and prayer as a waste of our costly little lives or a waste of our time and energy. But Mary recognized that this perfume could not be used for any greater purpose than to honor Jesus. Jesus is worth any effort and sacrifice we may put forth for His glory and honor. There is nothing to costly to give to him. Not our families or our future. He is worthy of it all. Mary’s worship of Jesus cost her something. What is your worship of Jesus costing you?
The second thing that is happening is that Mary is humbling herself at the feet of Jesus. A woman’s hair is her glory. Mary is laying down her glory in order for Jesus to be glorified. What a beautiful picture. We were not created to bring honor and glory to ourselves but to the One who made us. The One from whom all blessings flow. We must decide whether we will seek to live a life of pride or humility. We must also decide whether we seek a life of self glorification or one that glories in the Lord. Mary got it right and she is remembered forever for her act of humility.
Thirdly, the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Scripture. As Mary gave Jesus a humble sacrifice of worship, the place where she was changed. It was not only a physical smell but a spiritual aroma. Mary’s worship changed the atmosphere. May we live lives of worship unto God through acts of sacrifice and humility.