Recap of 8/19/12 (John 12:1-6):

1.  John 12:1-8 is the account of Mary (sister of Lazarus and Martha) anointing Jesus at the dinner given in His honor at the home of Simon the Leper.  This is paralleled in Matthew 26:6-13 and Luke 14:3-9. 

2.  Mary is profiled three times in Scripture.  Each time she is at the feet of Jesus: at His feet to listen (Luke 10:38-42 where she is contrasted with her sister Martha); at His feet for consolation (John 11:17-37); and at His feet to worship and express her love (John 12:1-8).

3.  In John 12, Mary anoints Jesus with pure nard, an expensive, aromatic oil imported from India.  It represented a year’s wages, a lifetime of savings, and may have been her dowry.  She gave the most precious possession she had in extravagant adoration to Jesus.  It was a selfless act of devotion.

4.  She is contrasted with Judas in this passage who criticized her gift as an extravagant waste.  He piously protests that the nard could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor.  His real motive was greed and selfishness for he was the treasurer of the apostles and often helped himself to the proceeds.  Sadly, instead of recognizing the singular devotion which Mary’s gift represented, the disciples joined with Judas in his criticism of her.  Pious sentiments do not always come from a pure heart.  We must be discerning in the voices we follow.  We must think for ourselves.

5.  The Daily Walk Bible makes the following challenge:  “Perhaps you are wondering, What do I have that I can give to Jesus as an act of worship? The most precious thing you possess is yourself.  If you have never done so before, assume the posture of Mary as you prayerfully read Romans 12:1, and give yourself as an offering today.  It’s an act of worship god never grows tired of receiving.”