Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. ... “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” -John 12:3-5,7-8 NRSV
Ever wonder what prompted Mary to be so generous? Can you relate to this sort of extravagance? In an instant she poured out a year's wages. In an act of worship she wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. This speaks so deeply about her love for the One who returned her brother from the grave. Yet I think that most do not understand this kind of love and worship.
This has always been true about worship. Folks who have not had a spiritual birth find it difficult to understand worship - especially when it involves extravagance. Many are comfortable with a worship that gives what is required but few have experienced a form of worship that involves real sacrifice. It is what separates worshipers from religious people.
All to Jesus I surrender. All to you I freely give. Teach me Lord what it means to really worship.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
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