Slices
Prepare
How do you think you would have responded to Mary’s extravagant, ‘wasteful’ act described in these verses?
Bible passage
Jesus anointed at Bethany
12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about half a litre 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.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
Explore
We are programmed by our culture and those around us not to waste a thing – whether it’s food, water, energy, time or money. We can be aghast if someone throws away perfectly good food, or feel let down by someone who doesn’t use their God-given talents to their full potential. ‘What a waste!’ we cry!
Today we read of a ‘waste’ of ‘expensive perfume’ (v 3) which is accompanied by the reaction of the scandalised Judas. John tells us how Mary lavishly pours this perfume on Jesus resulting in the house being ‘filled with the fragrance of the perfume’ (v 3). Jesus quickly rebukes and corrects Judas (vs 7,8). This is no waste but rather a beautiful act of love and devotion. As the Jewish authorities step up their plot to kill not only Jesus but also Lazarus (v 10), Mary’s actions are the opposite – a generous act of worship to Jesus who will soon be leaving them.
The challenge for us as followers of Jesus is to follow the example of Mary and not that of Judas or the religious leaders. We’re called to live lives of extravagant devotion to Jesus where we give our best, not looking around us or counting the cost.
Respond
Ask God to show you specific ways in which you can show your own lavish and generous devotion to him.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 25,26; Psalm 104
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for Sharon Esnard, recently appointed as SU’s Director of Finance and Services. Give thanks for her appointment and pray that she will quickly find her feet in this important role.
