Permeate each Space

John 12:1-8 ~

It was six days before the Passover Feast. Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived. Lazarus was the one Jesus had raised from the dead. A dinner was given at Bethany to honor Jesus. Martha served the food. Lazarus was among the people at the table with Jesus. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume.

But Judas Iscariot didn’t like what Mary did. He was one of Jesus’ disciples. Later he was going to hand Jesus over to his enemies. Judas said, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold? Why wasn’t the money given to poor people? It was worth a year’s pay.” He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor. He said it because he was a thief. Judas was in charge of the money bag. He used to help himself to what was in it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “The perfume was meant for the day I am buried. You will always have the poor among you. But you won’t always have me.”

Once again, Mary, sister of Martha & Lazarus seems to be the center of irritation. In another story, Martha was angry because she felt that she was doing all the work and Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Here Judas, the disciple who would betray Jesus, is angry because Mary is pouring costly perfume on Jesus' feet.

Mary anoints the feet of Jesus where she had sat in rapt attention, hanging onto every word that He spoke. She took this precious perfumed oil and washed these feet that had walked miles, ministering to those in His path. A similar perfume would cover his lifeless body in just a few short days.

Judas is indignant because he wouldn't be able to pocket the money this perfume would bring in. His greed causes anger. Mary gives of the little she has. Her sacrifice causes worship.

Who do you identify with in this story? Is it Martha who perhaps was feeling irritated once again that Mary was disrupting a dinner she worked hard to create? Do you sometimes feel like you work hard to serve the Lord and others disrupt things and draw the attention away from your hard work?

Is it Lazarus who may have been a bit embarrassed by his sister? Is there someone in your life whom embarrasses you with their exuberant desire to serve the Lord?

Is it Judas who was caught up in his own sin and couldn't see the symbolic gesture happening in front of his own eyes? Have you been trapped in a pattern of sin that prevents you from seeing how the Lord is working?

Is it Mary? Do you long to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship Him? Do you feel misunderstood and mistreated in your service to the Lord? 

Take some time today to reflect on this story. Which of these characters do you identify with the most? What in your life is pleasing to the Lord and what might you need to change or ask forgiveness from God? 

What are we giving to Jesus that shows our love and thanksgiving for Him? Are we willing to pour out our lives for Him? This is the week when we reflect on Christ's sacrifice for us. As we think about these things, ask the Lord to speak to you today. 

Mary's perfume permeated the entire house with a sweet fragrance. Is your service and worship wafting through the air? As you pour out your life to the Lord let the sweet scent fill each space and each person you come in touch with today.