The story of Mary breaking a jar of perfume and anointing Jesus at Bethany in John 12:3, is as much a cliché to many as much as it is enthralling! It’s akin to those tight lipped society aunties who shake their heads disapprovingly, looking down on young couples giggling and walking down in the rain, huddled under one umbrella, holding hands. But it only takes those who’ve felt the scintillation of love to know those gestures mean so much to the one you adore.
For Mary, this was the true form of worship. She wasn’t merely impressed by the personality of Jesus, the miracle man whom the world followed for benefits. She was in love with the person of Jesus. Sitting at His feet, letting go off of her inhibitions and fears, forgetting her rights and wrongs was so natural to her. That’s exactly why she never offered services to Him for What He was, but Worship, for Who He was.
For Mary, she had a new revelation of Jesus. When the crowds followed Him only till the fireworks lasted, Mary pursued Him to know His heart. She communed with Him and had a personal relationship with Him.
Above all, for Mary, she had been forgiven much! Scholars still debate whether the prostitute in Luke 7:37 is the same woman Mary in John 12:3, with other translations of it mentioned in Matthew 26:7 and Mark 14:3. But I believe they both were the same person, and so, Mary the immoral woman (as the world would term her) knew the measure and intensity of Jesus’ love for her to have overlooked her dark, hidden, slimy side.
For the gospel writer in John 12:3, the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But for Jesus, it was the aroma of true Worship that He took in.
One of my fav stories in the Bible filled with revelation….Wonderful post sis…Touched and blessed!!!!
Great post. Some people refer to her as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, as John 12:2 indicates that Lazarus was present at the table and Martha served. This Mary was already shown to be interested to be at Jesus’s feet rather than at work, as the Word says in Luke 10.
Whoever she is, the lesson this woman teaches is wonderful, to know Jesus for Who He Is.
Great reminder for us to not follow our normal (especially for us who are from India) instincts which is to please our guests through actions (cooking for them, cleaning etc) rather than focus on the fellowship with them. How often we miss the point of fellowship/worship! I know I have and constantly have to remind myself what worship is about and it’s all about Him. Thanks for the thoughts you have posted Ps Rashimi! Love it!
that means there is hope even after sins such as fornication and adultery???
“That’s exactly why she never offered services to Him for What He was, but Worship, for Who He was.” >> Great thoughts. Awesome molle, keep it coming!
Wow just got to read this post and amazed by it. Beautiful post Rashmi. Am blessed. Keep writing more!
The simple answer is “yes” Anu. It is all about the condition of the heart, then God says so clearly in many scriptures that if we repent and seek forgiveness, He is able to wipe away our sins. Like I said, it is about the heart condition e.g. Saul and David’s repentance
God be praised, Kenneth! Thank you for the appreciation and encouragement.
I agree to what you said. Whoever she was, she showed us what it is to love Jesus. Thank you for sharing Jo!
Yes Amen! Thank you for the time you take out to encourage me Gerard. God bless you.
Totally agree with Gerard here. YES! There is hope even after the worst of sins because Jesus has taken it all upon the cross. There’s no sin big enough to belittle the blood of Yeshua.
Wow!! It’s kinda thrilling to see your comment here Acha! Thank you and chechi for this note of encouragement here. Yayyyy!! 🙂
Wow Chechs! How did I not see this comment before! Thank you so very much for your appreciation and encouragement. Love you so much.
You are very welcome sister 🙂
Yes, I reckon you sister Rashmi should write more! Definitely!!! : )