READ: John 12 (Focus vs. 1-8)
MEMORY VERSE
“Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.” John 12:3
BACKGROUND
My father first locked eyes on my mother at a party in London. Next he gate-crashed a second party, then organized a third, just to see her again. Finally he asked Mum out for a country drive, picking her up in his old Rover sedan—his treasured possession.
Mum and Dad became sweethearts, but there was a problem. Mum was about to move to Peru to become a missionary. Dad took her to the airport, then five months later arrived in Peru himself—to propose to her. And the best part of the story? He’d sold his beloved Rover to pay for the plane ticket.
If you would’ve asked Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, what her most treasured possession was, she’d have shown you a precious bottle of “expensive perfume” (John 12:3).
And if you’d have been at the party she and Martha threw for Jesus (v. 2) and watched her lavish that bottle’s contents on his feet, you’d have known just what Christ meant to her. He was that precious, that valuable.
For my mother, Dad selling his car wasn’t just about a plane ticket. It was a sign of how much he valued her. And Mary’s actions had deeper meaning too—she was preparing Jesus for His burial (v. 7).
Like her, when we sacrifice for God what we treasure most, we take part in His redemptive work by echoing His great sacrifice for us.
Sheridan Voysey
INSIGHT
Through her actions, Mary of Bethany displayed how precious Jesus was to her. Several things are worth noting in this account. Her devotion was costly: “Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume . . . . It was worth a year’s wages” (John 12:3, 5).
Furthermore, the scent of the perfume (v. 3) matched the fragrant aroma of her devotion to Christ. But the striking scene of lavish devotion was disrupted by the response of Judas Iscariot. “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” he asked (v. 5).
Judas, who would later betray Jesus (v. 4), was a deceiver who covered his motives with pious words (v. 5); he was a hypocrite and a thief (v. 6) who would betray Christ for thirty pieces of silver (four months’ wages). But Jesus had the last word when He replied, “Leave her alone” (v. 7).
Christ, who surrendered all for us, still desires that we treasure Him over everything.
APPLICATION
What treasure would you give up for God? How would you feel in Mary’s place, when Jesus revealed the deeper meaning of her actions?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…when we sacrifice for God what we treasure most, we take part in His redemptive work by echoing His great sacrifice for us…Christ, who surrendered all for us, still desires that we treasure Him over everything.”
PR’s TAKE
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 16:20 and likewise where your heart is there your treasure will be also.
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, You’re more valuable to me than my most treasured earthly possession.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“AS THE DEER PANTS…”
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
You’re my friend and You’re my brother
Even though you are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
