Day 27 - Only the Best

by Grace Outlaw

John 12:1-8

If I’m being honest, there are certain scenes in the Bible that don’t make a lot of sense to me unless I go back and look into the historical and cultural context that surrounds them — and this is one of them.

In John 12, we see Jesus at a dinner in Bethany, six days before Passover. I’m imagining the room alive with conversation as Jesus relaxes at the table with Lazarus (who was dead just a little while ago, so we already find ourselves in an unusual setting). Martha, ever the hostess, is bustling about attempting to ensure everything is perfect.

Then Mary enters the room with a jar of pure nard — an expensive perfume worth a year’s wages. She pours the perfume on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair.

What did I just read?!

A year’s wages?! Jesus’ dirty feet that he uses to walk the dusty streets and travel around the countryside? Her hair? It’s clear something profound happened, but what? And why?

What Mary did was an extraordinary act of devotion. We all know how valuable a year’s wages are. But her gesture is more than extravagant; it’s intimate and deeply symbolic as well. She offers Jesus her most valuable possession alongside her humility and love. A woman’s hair was culturally significant. A woman’s glory was her hair. By using it to wipe Jesus’ feet, she demonstrates a profound reverence and selflessness.

So what can we learn from Mary’s actions?

1. Worship requires sacrifice — Mary’s gift was costly both financially and socially. Judas Iscariot criticized her, suggesting that the perfume could have been sold to help the poor (I know hindsight is 20/20, but we don’t care what you think, Judas!). But Jesus defended her, saying, “Leave her alone… it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial” (John 12:7). True worship often requires us to give up something valuable: our time, our resources, or even our pride.

2. Recognizing the moment — Mary understood something the others didn’t: Jesus’ time was short. The very next day Jesus made his infamous and triumphant arrival into Jerusalem! His death was only about a week away! Mary anointing Jesus prepared him for his burial and foreshadowed his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. While others were caught up in daily concerns, Mary seized the moment to honor her savior. How often do we miss opportunities to show love to Jesus because we’re distracted by life’s busyness? 

3. A fragrance that fills the room — When Mary broke open that jar of nard, its fragrance filled every corner of the house (John 12:3). Her act of worship was not just personal — it impacted everyone around her. Similarly, when we live lives of devotion and love for Jesus, our actions can inspire and bless others. What kind of ‘fragrance’ does your life leave behind? Are your words and actions a testimony to Jesus’ love?

Mary’s example challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to give Jesus our best — our time, talents, and treasures? Are we attuned to his presence and ready to respond with love and gratitude? Are we living lives that reflect his grace and truth to those around us?

I want to challenge you to follow Mary’s example by offering Jesus our wholehearted devotion. Whether through acts of service, moments of prayer, or quiet generosity… let our lives be a fragrant offering that honors him.