An Intimate Meal

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ²There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. ³Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. ⁴But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ⁵“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” ⁶(He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) ⁷Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. ⁸You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” ⁹When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, ¹¹since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. John 12:1-11

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, they were both in grave danger. Jesus was recognized by many as the Messiah God had promised. People were believing and trusting. The Jewish religious leaders were threatened by Jesus and had made the decision to destroy him. Lazarus was a problem too, for as long as he was alive there was indisputable evidence of Jesus' ministry. So Lazarus must be destroyed as well.


Amidst this backdrop, we find Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha enjoying their last meal together. The meal celebrated Lazarus being raised from the dead and Jesus as the Messiah. This was a jubilant occasion shared between friends who loved one another. It was also known by Mary that is was the last chance to say goodbye to Jesus. As they gathered around the table, she took expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. This was an act of service and love. It also acknowledged Jesus' journey to the cross. She was anointed him in preparation of his burial. In ancient Israel, dead bodies were anointed with spices and ointment to cover up the smell. Mary anoints Jesus in advance because she understands what God is up to. She understands Jesus must travel to the cross to achieve God's plan. And just as Lazarus was raised from the dead, so will Jesus be raised.


As theologically important as this moment is, I am more deeply struck by the tenderness shared between Jesus and Mary. Yes, Jesus dies for our sins and by defeating death and the grave opens up for all people the promise of eternal life. This is the essence of the gospel and cannot be overstated. But in this story it is the intimacy and closeness between them all (except for Judas) that is striking. Mary doesn't just accept Jesus as her Messiah and Savior, she loves him. She cares for Jesus and seeks to serve him. Her outpouring of love is directly related to her gratefulness. She knows what God is doing and the only fitting response is love. So it should be we us as well. God has given us grace, mercy, and love through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Yes, we should have faith and believe, but God wants more than our intellectual assent to theological propositions. God wants our heart and our love. May we love God with all our heart, mind, and spirit!


Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with love for you. Help me to believe and trust your promises are fore me and are real. Help me to live my life for you and share your love in the world, in Jesus' name, AMEN.