A Gift of Eternal Life

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then 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 (John 12:1-5).”

No matter how much good you try to do there will be those who take offense. It was six days before Passover and a woman by the name of Mary took out some expensive perfume to anoint the feet of Jesus. It was her perfume to do with as she pleased and yet there was concern about how she was wasting what belonged to her to anoint the feet of Jesus.

This was a solemn occasion. It was before the Passover and Jesus the spotless Lamb of God about to be crucified. Was there a price to high that could measure up to the cost of redemption? For Mary, nothing would be good enough and her act was symbolic of the cost Jesus was willing to pay for our sins. Aren’t you glad that no one suggested an alternative to the crucifixion of Christ? Matter of fact no one could or would have been able to because the price was too high.

This woman has shown us that there are some things of far greater worth than material possessions. It is a lesson that is lost on those whose hearts have been calloused and hardened because of worldly lusts; but for those who love Christ, it is a reigning example of selflessness and sacrifice for something far greater which is the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.