Thursday 23rd March
Read John 12:1-3
“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’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about half a litre 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.” (NIVUK)
John’s description of this meal accords closely with the character of Martha and Mary presented by Luke (see Luke 10:38-42). Martha served whilst Mary listened and pondered deeply. Many commentators say that no-one recognised the significance of the cross prior to the event. Jesus’ regular pronouncements towards the end of his ministry that he would be betrayed, handed over to the Gentiles and killed, fell on either deaf or incredulous ears. Yet perhaps Mary heard what Jesus was saying and understood more fully than anyone the significance of what was about to happen.
Mary’s act conveys at least two truths (though likely many more!). The first truth demonstrated by her act is a recognition of who Jesus is. Her act is one of anointing. She poured the nard over Jesus’ head (Mark 14:3) and his feet. Anointing is a sacred act. It marks out someone, or something, as a gateway between heaven and earth. Thus priests and kings were anointed. Jewish hope was for just such a person who would perfectly bridge the gap between heaven and earth – a messiah. Messiah literally means ‘anointed one’. Mary believes Jesus is the Messiah and acts accordingly.
The second truth conveyed by her act is voiced by Jesus. He recognises it as a preparation for his death and burial. Mary is both anointing Jesus and recognising him as priest and king, indeed the long hoped for Messiah but also listening closely to his words and reflecting that this gateway between heaven and earth is only opened through death. So she anoints his whole body, not just his head. Her act will be spoken of for the rest of time.
I have wondered whether, having listened closely to Jesus, perhaps Mary used ‘pure’ nard in an unconscious recognition that mixing it with the traditional spices and fragrances associated with anointing oil (cf Exodus 30:22-33) was not necessary. Those spices, intended to convey the afterimage of Eden, were an olfactory ‘picture’ of dwelling in Yahweh’s presence in abundant life. But Jesus contains life in himself. He is the way, the truth and life (cf John 14:6). There is no need to mix in other spices. I would not be surprised if Mary listened that closely.
How closely do you listen to Jesus’ words? How regularly do you meditate on every word that comes from God? Mary is a model of how close meditation on God’s words leads to true devotion and worship.
