How long did it linger?

Mary gave it all. Not a portion. Not just a 10% tithe. She didn’t dilute her gift with an oil. She poured her entire bottle of pure nard on the One she adored and worshipped.

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. John 12:3

For those of you wondering, nard was a very costly, rare spice imported from Northern India. It’s value was equivalent to one years wage for a day laborer. This was an extremely expensive perfume.

In her family of three siblings, I see a visual of how the church, also devoted followers of Jesus, can respond to the gift of grace we’ve been given. Lazarus was raised from the dead. And the spiritually alive church should be living with joy because of our new life. Martha was serving. And so should we. And Mary…you get the picture. Extravagent worship. Uninhibited, unrestrained adoration. Worship without shame or explanation. A devoted disciple loving Jesus through her gift. Mary revealed her trust and acceptance of what was to come.

How long did the scent of the nard linger on Jesus? Was the aroma interspersed with His bloody sweat when He prayed in anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane? Did the scent remind Him of His mission when He prayed, “Father…not my will, but yours be done”? Could He smell the sweet aroma of nard as He breathed His last breath?

I hope so!

Thoughts to ponder?

Am I living my new life for all to see? Where am I serving? Do I worship Jesus as Mary did?