Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

John 12:3

For Meditation

What can you do for Jesus that will be a living and lasting memorial and testimony to His name? What can you bring to Him in appreciation for what He has done for you?

Mary brought a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume to anoint Him for His burial—a sweet fragrance that filled the house (Jn. 12:3). Judas also brought his gift—a large dose of hypocrisy and criticism, with the aroma of corruption and death (5-6). It could have polluted the atmosphere without the overpowering fragrance of Mary’s expensive perfume . But isn’t that typical of thieves?

Now it is your turn to show your love and appreciation to your Lord and Savior—Jesus Christ. What will it be?

You do not have His physical body to anoint, as Mary did. And unfortunately, you cannot see Him either. However, you have His name to glorify with your life and His Spiritual body to serve with your gifts. It is about the integrity of your life and conduct. That’s what commends His magnificence to others; the fragrance that fills the air where you are—the glory He applauds. It is your opportunity and privilege to love our Lord for who He is and what He has done for you on Calvary.

Paul says that God leads us as captives in the triumphal procession of Christ and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 2:14-15).   

So, what have you brought to anoint the Lord Jesus? Is the fragrance sweet and expensive? Does it cost you anything? (2Sam. 24:24).