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ANOINTED UNTO DEATH
FRIDAY, MARCH 11
Mark 14:1-11

John 12:5-8

 

“…she is come aforehand to anoint

my body to the burying.”

 

ANOINTED UNTO DEATH
 
Simon the leper, who was healed by Jesus, was full of gratitude and had Jesus over to his house for dinner. This took place in Bethany, the town of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, whose home Jesus resided in whenever He was in Jerusalem. Evidently Simon knew them, and had them over for dinner as well. Martha as usual was busy serving, and Lazarus was with Jesus at the table. But Mary did something most significant. She anointed Jesus with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She poured it on His head, and then used her hair to wipe His feet. There was enough perfume (a Roman pound = 12 ounces or 0.373 kg) to cover the Lord’s entire body from head to toe. The whole house was filled with sweet fragrance.
 
The disciples however were unhappy over this. They felt that it was a terrible waste, and murmured against her. Judas Iscariot spoke up and complained that what Mary did was wasteful. The perfume could have been sold at a high price (300 pence or denarii = one year’s salary), and the money given to the poor. John was quick to comment that Judas said it not because he was altruistic, but because he was a thief (John 12:6). He had been made treasurer, but pilfered from the money bag. He was greedy for money. It is no surprise that he betrayed Jesus for only 30 silver shekels (a month’s salary).
 
Jesus vindicated Mary. He knew her heart and mind. She did it not only because she loved the Lord, but also to prepare Him for burial. Mary had been an attentive student of Jesus. She paid attention and meditated on His every word. By faith, with the Spirit’s illumination, she believed in His prediction about His death for the salvation of His people (Matt 26:2 cf. 16:22).
 
THOUGHT: Do we follow Jesus for the money or for salvation?
PRAYER: Lord, I don’t care for riches but for Thy salvation which is so rich and free.

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