Sweet Aroma

Pondering John 12:3.

Mary gave it all. Not a portion. Not just a 10% tithe. She didn’t dilute her gift with 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. 

Nard was a costly, rare spice imported from Northern India. The value of a pint would have been equivalent to one year’s wage for a day laborer.

The three siblings, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, portray different responses to their gift of grace. The church, devoted followers of Jesus, should follow their examples. Lazarus was raised from the dead. And the spiritually alive church should exude joy because of our new life. Martha served. And so should we. Mary…you get the picture. Extravagent worship. Uninhibited, unrestrained adoration. Worship without shame or explanation. A devoted disciple loving Jesus with her offering. 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!

Questions to ponder:

Am I living my new life with joy?

Where am I serving?

Do I worship Jesus as Mary did?