Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then 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 12:1-3 (NIV)
Anointed
According to the Hollywood Reporter back in 2006 the Queen was anointed in Toronto. They didn’t mean Queen Elizabeth II, but Stephen Frear’s movie with that title. The Toronto Film Association chose “The Queen” as movie of the year that year. The royal drama dominated the voting with Helen Mirren earning best actress for her portrayal of a frosty Queen Elizabeth II facing the emotionally charged death of Princess Diana and Michael Sheen winning best supporting actor for his performance as Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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When someone blesses us in some way, we usually want to find a way to appropriately say thanks. The more our needs have been met, the greater our desire to express our appreciation. That was certainly the case with Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. They had become good friends of Jesus – so much so that when Lazarus died, Jesus wept outside his tomb. Jesus had transformed their lives and in Him they had found peace and joy. So, Mary offered to Jesus the most expensive gift she could. It is recorded in John 12:1-5: “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then 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.” Mary teaches us an important lesson here – we need to give our best to Jesus – to express our gratitude for all He has done for us.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley