The Box of Ointment (Based on John 12)

Jesus went again to Bethany. We have read previously that Bethany was the town in which Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. It was where Lazarus had died and had been raised to life again. There, a supper was made for Jesus, and Lazarus and his sisters were present. Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus, and Martha served.

What did Mary do? She remained sitting humbly at the feet of Jesus to hear His words. She had brought with her a box of very precious ointment which she put on Jesus’ feet and then wiped them with the hair of her head. She did this because she loved and honored Jesus so much.

However, some of the company despised Mary for what she did. Among them was Judas Iscariot who said, “Why did she waste the ointment? It might have been sold for much money, and the money could have been given to the poor.” Judas had no love for Jesus; therefore, he thought everything given to Him was wasted, but did Judas love the poor? No, he did not. He pretended to be charitable; he collected money, put it into a bag, and said he would give it to the poor, but he kept some of the money for himself, for Judas was a thief. His fellow disciples did not know this about Judas, but Jesus did. He saw all the deceit of Judas’ wicked heart.

When Judas spoke so unkindly about Mary, Jesus said, “Why do you trouble this woman? She has done a good work upon me. For the poor always ye have with you; but Me ye have not always. Mary has come before my death to anoint my body for burial.” We read in Mark 14:9 what Jesus also said about Mary, “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

Everyone who reads the Bible can read what Mary did. It is written to teach us to be like her in love, faith, and humility. This was a great honor to Mary. She was not looking for honor, yet God was pleased to give it to her, for He says in His Word, “Them that honour Me I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30).

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