Devotional 3-28-10

John 12:1-8

In this chapter of John, Jesus is in Bethany visiting Lazarus, Martha and Mary. A dinner is given in Jesus’ honor with his disciples in attendance, as it is 6 days before Passover and the betrayal! The Bible tells us that Lazarus is reclining at the table with the others while Martha serves them. But what about Mary?

I am sure Martha is stressed that Mary is not helping with the meal. However, it is here that Mary does something unusual. She brings out a pint of pure nard (an expensive perfume) and pours it on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. Even today, we can hear those in attendance complain about the lack of help for Martha, the waste of the expensive perfume that could be sold for top dollar, the lost opportunity to cash in the nard and give to the poor. All of these objections are true, but I think they miss the point.

Jesus reminds them the nard is for his burial and that we will always have the poor, but we will not always have him. Therefore, the challenge is to identify what is precious to each one of us and then be willing to use it to glorify God’s work. Ah- but that can be most difficult! It can be easy to “mouth” conviction but it can be much harder to put words into action. If you had a great amount of money or time for Christ how would you use it?

Is it reflected in your budget and your priorities?

I am ashamed to admit I still have my jar of nard.

Marvin Jones