Stories of Bethany: Extravagant Love Mary Anoints Jesus (John 12:1–8)

Six days before Passover, Jesus returns to Bethany, the small village just outside Jerusalem where he raised Lazarus.  The Gospel of John tells us that there’s a dinner for Jesus in the house of Mary and Martha.  During the meal, Mary steps forward with an action that fills the whole house.

She breaks open a pound of costly perfume and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. The entire scene is shocking, yet tender, and undeniably extravagant.  The fragrance of this action literally and metaphorically lingers over everything.

Understandably, not everyone understands Mary's actions. Judas does some math and tells the room that the money spent on the perfume could have been given to the poor.  But Jesus gently rebukes Judas' self-righteous grand standing.  He says,  “Leave her alone… You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

It's such an unexpected thing for Jesus to say, but it's Jesus reminding us that devotion and service both have their place.  It’s a reminder about the rhythm of discipleship. Love of neighbor and love of God are not rivals; they sustain one another.

Mary, during this dinner at Bethany, embodies this rhythm. She gives without counting, and her gift becomes a sign of what Jesus will give to the world: extravagant love.  Mary's small action that night change the air of the whole house and this action reminds us that our small acts of worship can also transform our lives.  

Acts of devotion to God are not wasted efforts that should be redirected toward service, rather they are the anchor points that ground us in a deeper love which then sustains our service.  
 
If you’re wondering what to do next in your own walk of faith, Mary’s example is simple: bring what you have and give it to Jesus with your whole heart. Let that love lead. The rest will follow.