Saturday 8 August 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought itc so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." (vs 7-8)
Background
Today we read that Jesus returns to Bethany and the home of Lazarus whom he restored from death in the previous chapter. The double reference to Lazarus in verses 1-2 links the passage closely to what has gone before, and whereas his sister Martha had the more significant role in chapter 11 now it is the actions of Mary that command attention. She was at Jesus’ feet in 11:32 for a different reason; now she anoints his feet with a large quantity of valuable perfume. The costliness and extravagance are emphasised.
'Messiah' means 'one anointed', but such an anointing, as with any new king, would involve an anointing of the head, not the feet. Wiping Jesus' feet not with a towel but with her loosened hair is a sign of Mary’s grief. Jesus interprets what Mary does as an advance anointing for his burial; she had already bought the perfume for that purpose he discerns in verse 7. But perhaps she had not planned this episode, but rather acted spontaneously.
The account contrasts Mary’s wholehearted devotion to Jesus and perhaps her perception of what he is about to suffer with Judas’ negative appraisal of her act. Verse 4 alerts us to his forthcoming role as villain in the plot, and verse 6 further impugns his character, but the content of his interjection would appear to raise a relevant point about money being used in order to do the most good.
Jesus’ reply to Judas’ question, which he takes at face value, underlines that Mary’s act has not been primarily a matter of wasteful extravagance but a recognition of the death sentence under which he now stands. Even after the extensive final discourse of Jesus with his disciples in the following chapters, they seem incapable of arriving at the realisation Mary here displays regarding the inevitability of his impending death.
To Ponder:
- Do you think there is a deliberate connection between Mary’s action and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in the next chapter (13:1-11)?
- In what circumstances in your own life is extravagance a better choice than thrift?
- It is always open to disciples of Jesus to address the needs of the poor (v. 8). How can you most effectively do so within the constraints of your life and your means?
Prayer
Lord, may I be so inspired by the example of Mary, both in wanting to give everything I have to you and in my understanding of the necessity and inevitability of your death, that I too might enjoy to the full your resurrection life. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Mosedale
Stephen is a retired Methodist minister living near Exeter. He served in West Africa and Scotland and was a New Testament tutor at Cliff College.