John 12:1-11
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’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 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.
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.
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Surrounded by his friends, Jesus sat for a meal knowing what the coming days would entail. It is in this social setting that Mary did something that shocked everyone. She took a jar of very expensive perfume—worth an entire year’s wages—and poured it all over Jesus’ feet.
The Bible says the whole house was filled with the fragrance.
This passage calls us to consider our response to the cross. While others in the room were judging the act and calling it a waste, Mary was simply being present. She realized where Jesus was heading and she chose to give Him her very best while she still had the chance. She didn’t worry about being “practical”. She focused on what she had in the moment and gave her all. It was an act of love and worship signaling her understanding of what Jesus would be enduring for all of them in the coming days.
Three Anchors for Your Holy Week:
- Heart over Accounting: We often treat our faith like a to-do list or a budget. We ask, “How much is enough?” Mary didn’t calculate – she poured out what she had. This week, try to move past “useful” faith and spend time in “extravagant” presence with Jesus. He isn’t looking for your productivity. He’s looking for your heart.
- Changing the Atmosphere: The fragrance of the perfume filled the entire house. When you find “Internal Order” at the feet of Jesus, it changes the atmosphere for everyone around you. Your peace this week—in your home, your office, or our church—is a gift to others.
- Don’t Rush to Sunday: Jesus saw Mary’s act as preparation for His burial. It’s tempting to skip the pain of the Cross and jump straight to the joy of Easter. But this week, let’s be willing to sit in the reality of His sacrifice. To truly appreciate the Resurrection, we have to first understand the cost.
Holy Week Calendar
Easter Sunday
Join us for our regular Sunday service at 10am on Easter Sunday. We will celebrate the risen Christ together through worship, contemplation on God’s word, and communion.
Resurrection Potluck – April 12
Mark your calendar for Sunday April 12. It has been our tradition the last several years to share a meal in celebration of the risen Christ the weekend after Easter. This will be held at the local community center near the church (‘t Celestijnje). More information will be coming on this later in the week.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Eric Casteel
Pastor