*John 12:1-11
Six days before Passover, Jesus arrives at Bethany, where Mary anoints his feet with fragrant oil, while Judas protests the waste.
- Setting and Context:
- Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrives in Bethany where Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, lives.
- A dinner is held in Jesus’s honor, with Martha serving and Lazarus among the guests.
- Mary Anoints Jesus:
- Mary takes a pint of expensive perfume made from pure nard and anoints Jesus’s feet.
- She wipes his feet with her hair, and the house is filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
- Criticism from Judas Iscariot:
- Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples who will later betray Jesus, criticizes Mary’s actions, suggesting that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor.
- John notes that Judas didn’t actually care about the poor, but managed the group’s money and would often steal from it.
- Jesus Defends Mary:
- Jesus defends Mary’s actions, instructing Judas to leave her alone.
- He points out that the perfume was intended for his burial and that she is anointing him ahead of time.
- Jesus emphasizes that the poor will always be present, but he will not always be with them.
- Plans to Kill Lazarus:
- A large crowd of Jews learns of Jesus’s presence in Bethany and comes not only to see him but also to see Lazarus, whom he raised from the dead.
- The chief priests plan to kill Lazarus as well because many are believing in Jesus due to Lazarus’s resurrection.
John 12:1-11 shows us the power of love, devotion, and true worship. Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet as an act of deep love and gratitude, reminding us to give our best to God, not just what is easy or convenient. Judas, on the other hand, criticized her, showing how selfishness can blind us to what really matters. This passage encourages us to focus on what pleases God rather than seeking approval from others. It also reminds us that following Jesus may bring criticism, but true faith is about honoring Him with our hearts and actions.
John 12:1-11 (WEB)
12:1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. 3 Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.4 Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said, 5 “Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.7 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.”9 A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.