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This past week, my Lenten journey took me to the section of the Bible in the gospel of John where Mary Magdalene anoints Jesus with perfume. Mary used the most expensive of perfumes, referred to as Nard. Nard is from the root of the Spikenard flower and likely receives its name from the little hairy spikes shooting from the root. Its fragrance is unique, having a distinct aroma that clings to hair or skin and is thought to have medicinal properties. Nard was highly valued in ancient cultures and considered the best of the best, much like a tie from Burberry, a watch from Rolex, or a diamond from Tiffany & Co. Its value was high; Mary saved it for the feet of her Savior.
This account in John is a fascinating part of scripture, a God-breathed account of Jesus’ journey in Bethany while on His way to the cross. I enjoy reflecting on accounts like this by trying to imagine what each character in the account may be feeling, thinking, and experiencing, a method I often used as a Marriage and Family Therapist when counseling families to attempt to understand others and to attempt to have others better understand a more in-depth picture of everyone to promote empathy. Today’s devotion may provoke deeper thought on the characters involved. Here are a few of my thoughts; I’d love to hear yours.
As a redeemed friend: It must have been glorious to be Lazarus. Jesus redeemed His friend, Lazarus, by bringing him back from the dead. Now Lazarus was eating with Jesus and relaxing, “reclining with Jesus at the table.” What comfort Jesus gives us as Savior! He cares about Lazarus, and He cares about us too. In Luke 11, “Jesus wept” over His friend Lazarus. Lazarus’ name in Hebrew means “God has helped.” Understanding that He has helped and redeemed Lazarus reminds us He will also redeem us, raising us from the dead as He did with Lazarus. Someday we will be in Paradise reclining with Jesus at the table just as in John’s account.
As a sinner: I love that Jesus called out Judas Iscariot. It's easy to be angry at and pick on Judas. We already knew him as a betrayer, and so did Jesus; not to mention, he was an identified crook, stealing from the coffers as a dishonest treasurer and camouflaging a concern for society in the name of stewardship of money while helping himself. Stealing is an obvious sin, but less obvious is how easy it is to seek to serve self and thereby betray Jesus. As sinners, along with Judas, it's easy to fall into the same self-serving trap, thinking of ways to jockey for first place, diminishing the value of others only to serve self.
As a servant: Martha is true to her ever-busy self, serving food for the group in her role as servant. Of course, nothing is wrong with serving others. Unless serving takes priority over being with Jesus, or puffs us up to believe our works are more important than Jesus. Martha revealed herself in another piece of scripture when serving was more important than being with Jesus. In Luke, Jesus addresses this with Martha; as she asks Jesus a question, Martha says, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:40-42. Jesus reminded Martha about priorities. In the busyness of everyday life, serving others can sometimes seem more important than spending time with Jesus. Everyone, especially those in ministry, must remember that our Lord expects, even demands, our attention. My iPhone has settings for work, personal, driving, sleep/relaxation, and do not disturb, which attempt to moderate my time in each area. Perhaps it would do me well to add a new focus, not just in Lent, but all year, and create a setting: Time for Jesus!
As a devoted and submissive follower: Mary is a hero for certain. Content and devoted, Mary seeks to be at the feet of her Lord Jesus. In many accounts in the Bible, we find Mary at the feet of Jesus. In Luke 7, Jesus said to His disciples, “[Mary] has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.” In Luke 10, Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching. In John 12, Mary anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. Mary used the very expensive Spikenard ointment for the washing of Jesus’ feet; she didn’t hesitate to humbly give her best to Jesus. Humbling herself to Christ and listening to Jesus’ teaching is evident in Mary’s sacrifice. Saints, may it be evident in ours, too, spending time listening to Jesus.
As obedient Savior: Jesus spent time with His followers up until the time of His arrest, torture, and crucifixion. Jesus knew His destination, and although Mary used the best perfume, Spikenard, on the best person, Jesus, His power is made perfect in weakness. His glory shines brightly as Mary washes His feet with her hair and Spikenard ointment, and as He in turn washes the feet of each of His disciples on His journey to the cross. Saints, let us be reminded to hear and heed His call to continue our Lenten journey, as He says, “Come, follow Me.” Matthew 4:19. Amen.
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