Growing up with two brothers, there were times I felt a little outnumbered. Once, I came home from dance class to find my favorite doll held hostage in a game of cops and robbers. Shrieking, I dodged foam darts to rescue her from the basement war zone. I sulked away, dreaming of ways to avenge my doll’s honor. I was in no mood to share.
As an adult, the things we hold most dear might be our family, time, or resources. But when someone tries to lay a hand on our precious commodities, you’d better believe we can still throw a toddler-sized tantrum. Our fists close tighter and tighter around the stuff that gives our lives meaning, and we lose sight of the only one who can bring true meaning to our lives.
There are many accounts throughout the Bible where God asks people to loosen their grip for the sake of the gospel. One such story is found when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22). We can all immediately recognize the costliness of being asked to give up a child. Abraham obeyed even that most painful instruction because he trusted God. Ultimately the Lord spared Isaac and provided a lamb for sacrifice, painting the illustration of things to come. God would give up His own perfect Son as the Lamb on our behalf. In doing so, God Himself paid the price we deserved.
While many of us struggle to hand over our idols when pressed, there are some followers of Jesus who freely give without even being asked. Mary of Bethany (according to John 12:2–3) was one such saint. Nobody guilted her into an offering, and yet she took what was probably the most expensive thing she owned, a vat of perfume, and lavishly broke it over the head of the Messiah. The Pharisees criticized her generosity, feigning concern for the poor, but Jesus saw through their calculating hearts.
Christ praised Mary’s extravagant gift, saying her act will forever be “told in memory of her” (Mark 14:9). Mary chose to live open-handedly, and it was counted as eternally significant. She gave away treasures on earth to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). And in doing so, she built a legacy that mattered. Before Mary even walked the earth, her actions were affirmed in the wisdom writings: “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1).
Both Mary and Abraham earned good names for themselves by living as one anointed for death. We, too, are called to live anointed for death. Jesus said that if we want to follow Him, we must die to ourselves and take up our crosses (Matthew 16:24). As Christians, that means we must loosen our grip on earthly things and focus our eyes on heavenly things.
When we think about the impact we want to have in our lifetimes, let’s remember Mary of Bethany, who poured out her gifts for the ultimate gift giver. By dying to ourselves and joining with Christ in His anointing for burial, we are covered in the perfume of grace. Then our legacy will become a fragrant offering of Christ to the world (2 Corinthians 2:15).
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56 thoughts on "Wednesday: Jesus Is Anointed for Burial"
Hi Dorothy, not sure if you’ll see this because I’m a day behind, but I also only read the scriptures and devotion yesterday but not the comments. I normally read the comments too and find them always so uplifting, but yesterday I just couldn’t do it. I felt so burdened by the pain of my best friend’s mom’s cancer returning. Thankfully, we know we do not have to carry our burdens alone. I’m praying for you as you walk through this extremely challenging time.
Leslie, I am in the same boat. My 31 year old son and his family are wonderful but not following Christ the way he was raised. I’m hearing this from so many of my friends with adult children. They are living good lives but don’t see a need to be involved in a church in any way. I can only pray for all of our adult children because I know that God is in control. I did what I could in raising my sons but it’s still so hard to let go and let God.
Prayers for all of our adult sons and daughters.
Sisters when I can barely catch my breath, the knot in the back of my throat at this very second because my son has turned away from all he has been taught and exposed to ( now 31, married, 2 beautiful children that I’m heads of heals with. And I have a very healthy relationship with them all ) BUT… that ack in my gut the pounding of my heart overwhelms. Is my son my idol, I wonder?? Is my “Grip” on wanting that child to want and see his need for Jesus taking MY focus off Jesus…. I’m not really looking for answers per say, just needing to cry out, again… I became a believer 25 yrs ago this Easter, yes I received Christ fully on an Easter Sunday. And although, everyday, we’ll nearly everyday I find myself in relationship with the Lord, my Love for Jesus and God word I don’t doubt. But, the preoccupation I have for my son and his family has me examining my heart these days. I’m I truly trusting??? Thank you dear ones for indulging me. May this Holy Week bring you closer to Jesus in ways you couldn’t have imagined ♥️
Leslie!! I feel this way about my parents. They are not believers and some days I live in constant fear that something will happen to them & they won’t know Christ. But the Lord graciously reassures me that that is His burden to bear—my burden is to have faith and trust in the one who has the power to save. I pray you would find comfort and relief from your pain & burden tonight.
Thank you Abigail for your thoughtful reminder. And my you too have peace as you look to the Lord on your parents behalf ♥️
I pray that my actions would be a fragrant offering to the Lord. I pray I would hold my worldly possessions with open hands.
Speaking to myself, “Jessica, loosen the grip of earthly things and focus more on the heavenly things!” Christ is coming soon and we need to stop wasting our energy on things that don’t lead us to the eternal!
What a great reminder not to become too attached to material things. Especially during this time where we all are stuck at home and finding new items to occupy ourselves. Let us all remember God in heaven is the ultimate gift and nothing else will ever replace that.
It dawned on me several years ago that Mary and Martha were single ladies and that alabaster vial of perfume was likely Mary’s dowry.
Sometimes, I fall into the trap of reading the Bible and seeing it as a series of moral stories. It’s easy for me to see Mary’s beautiful gesture and think ‘Oh, she’s a good, moral person. I need to be more like her.’ I have to remind myself that the Bible is really one great story that’s all about Jesus. Mary has walked with Jesus. She knows him as her Friend and Lord. She has experienced his power at work in her life and in her family. I think this relationship is what captivates her heart, allows her to recognize him for who he is, and moves her to anoint him with oil. Praying that like Mary I will walk more closely with the Lord, see him as he really is, and thereby my heart would be changed.
Dorothy, my heart ❤️ hurts for you. I know it’s hard but please believe that God will never leave you. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will see you through this storm just like he is seeing me through the death of my husband.
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.
This is the scripture that God put in my spirit last week and this morning He told me that God is still good. God is still on the throne.
You are in my prayers
After reading the verses I searched a bit to look a little deeper at the circumstances surrounding Jesus’s anointing in today’s passages. What I found in John 12:1-8 was quite interesting. This was not just any house that this gathering was held in, nor was it just any woman in the town of Bethany. This was the house where Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived. This gathering was held for the very one who was responsible for the resurrection of Lazarus. This was not just any gathering. This was not just any man. This was Jesus. When Mary of Bethany broke that jar of perfume it was not over the head of just any man, like those protesting it’s so called “waste” would have us believe. It was over the man who had brought back Mary’s brother from certain death, the man who had revived their souls out from a pit of mourning. This was not just any man. This was Jesus. Who but him was deserving of the finest and expensive fragrance? Who but him deserved to be honored in such an extravagant way? Mary saw beyond the surface to what was truly valuable. She saw Jesus, her Savior.
Yesterday, I read the scriptures and devotional but not any of the comments which isn’t like me. I just couldn’t function well yesterday with all that has been going on. I have gone back read the comments from yesterday and you, my SRT sisters, have helped me a lot with your responses to Clara C. I will be writing the scriptures on index cards to look at through these coming weeks. I have been dealing with feelings of what to do. My niece that died was also my roommate so everyday I see remembrances of her. I had to take down some of the pictures that were up in the hallway and put them out of sight. I feel bad about doing it but I just can’t handle seeing them all the time. I want to thank all of you for your prayers.
I so want to focus on the Heavenly things But God it so hard for me right now. I am struggling with not being able to give my sister a hug and sit with her, with living in an apartment I shared with my niece who just died and having just got in a car accident myself. I need help to focus on God and Christ and not myself.
Praying for you, dear Dorothy. I can only imagine how tough that is but I know God is near to the broken hearted. Love and hugs to you ❤️
It’s the DASH, everything you do between the time you are born until the time you leave this world. Let it all be to the glory of God. Give God everything that you have. Honor Jesus! Praise Him!
“I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40
I love Mary of Bethany, she’s probably my favourite woman in scripture. This is Mary, sister of Martha, who knew it was more important to sit at Jesus’ feet listening than to make herself busy. She sent for Jesus when her brother Lazarus was sick, mourns that if he had been there, her brother had not died. She’s a witness to him raising Lazarus from the dead. When Mary anoints him with expensive perfume, she is preparing him for his burial. In a way that not even his disciples understood, she somehow knew what had to happen next. And I love what the Lord promises her: than anywhere the gospel is taught, people would speak her name with honour. Mary gives us such an example of an open heart and deep spiritual understanding! I pray that I can be more like her, in discerning priorities, in knowing who to turn to in my time of need, and in understanding my Savior.
Yes and amen, Asha. ❤️
Amen Churchmouse. Beautifully said.
Praying for you and for all the Lovelies who meet here.
When I consider Judas’ stingy greed and Mary’s extravagant giving, I see myself somewhere between the two. So I turn away from the example of Judas and turn toward that of Mary and pray to be more free in generous giving to my Lord first and foremost, then to my neighbor!
❤️
Satan is always looking for a good opportunity for us to betray our Lord. Let us not inadvertently open a door for him. Let us don the armor of God and pray without ceasing. Let us be steadfast disciples of the Book. Let us be worshippers not worriers. Let us feed our faith and not our fears. Let us encourage one another. And oh, let us be still and know that He is God. And He loves us.
❤️
Amen
I love the juxtaposition of Judas and Mary. His tight fist. Her generous open palm. His closed thoughts; her open heart. His is the aroma of death leading to death; hers is the aroma of life leading to life (2 Cor2:16). Today as we sit in our house I am going to do what I can (Mark 14) and share some fancy perfume with my girls and tell them the story of Mary of Bethany.
I love these thoughts and this idea!
I ❤️ this! Ingrid, this will forever be a memory in their little hearts. I’m going to be praying for you right now. Sounds like so much fun.
What a great image!
I had a silly moment in my devotional time today. The image came into my head of Mary cracking this jar on Jesus’s head, him saying “ouch!” and both of them laughing and looking at each other with the the love of intimate friends. Like they had a best friends secret moment. Hoping you all do not find this irreverent. It just so gave me a picture of the intimacy of having Jesus for a friend. He was real. He loved. He laughed. And He gave His life for me. May I open my hands so I may share in the intimacy that He offers. I love You, Lord.
Love the word picture of Jesus saying, “Ouch!” Makes Him more real, and more human, which makes me realize even more the price He paid for me, for us.
I have been reminded lately – many times – to loosen my grip… to approach many things with open palms, and not tight fists. Just when I think my palms are open, I read or hear a teaching and realize they could be looser… they could be more open.
Help me, Lord, to continue to open my hands towards you.
❤️
Praying for you Anonymous. Jesus loves you. Lean into Him. Praying protection for you. Know He is there, Do what you do for Him. Other people’s reaction does not devalue you walking with Jesus,or your obedience to Him. Your reward is drawing near to the King and His words Well done. Praying too if you are not safe, for God’s help. Reach out, find help if you need it. Know you are loved beyond measure. Mark 14:3-11 really spoke to me this morning. The contrast between Mary’s adoration of Jesus and Judas’ disregard for Jesus. How many times has my focus become all about me, my need, my desires. Lord help me to pour out the nard, to be extravagant in my praise, to be about you first. God forgive me when I have not trusted you, you who has always cared so sweetly for my needs, sacrificed so much for my sin. Lord open my hands, my mouth, my pockets, my time, my all, that I would be Your hands and feet. Amen.
Often, our devotions and/or things that are shared bring songs to mind. Today it is “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns…the refrain especially:
And I don’t want to live a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only JESUS
And I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to HIM
Only JESUS
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
JESUS is the only name
to remember.
Lord, I pray that my thoughts, words, and deeds would be a positive reflection of You to the world today.
As I read this on my back porch I’m surrounded by the sweet fragrance of my lilac bushes. This is the first morning I can smell them, what a fitting surrounding for this scripture.
Thank you God for your word, and for this community of women seeking you.
Lord, I am so afraid that what you’re speaking to my heart is that my husband is my Isaac, and that my husband is the expensive oil that you’re asking me to give. My heart breaks for my daughter, especially since I remember you speaking this to my heart before we ever got married.
If your will is to turn these ashes into something beautiful, please lead us. If not, Lord, give me the strength to make this sacrifice in YOUR name. Thank you Jesus.
Hope, I’m not sure what you’re going through but I know that surrendering everything to God is the hardest and most difficult thing. Let Him take care of it. He is your loving father who knows better than you do and can do anything. Praying for a miracle for your family!
Interesting that Mary poured out all she had on Jesus’s head, but even that wasn’t enough to save her. He still had to receive the pouring out of God’s wrath meant for her (and our) sins in order to rescue her. Humbling that even our very best and most pure intentions need cleansing before our Lord.
Interesting that Mary poured out all she had on Jesus’s head, but even that wasn’t enough to save her. He still had to receive the pouring out of God’s wrath for her sins (and ours) on his head to
As I read this, I am reminded how much I miss Jesus and I pray that what I have holding onto is given up. But, I am in fear of what is to come after it. I want to live my life open handedly, but this one thing I know is in the way. And I know when I live open handedly with my family it is taken advantage of and not received with thankfulness, but greed and forgetfulness. I miss fully residing in Him, but its so hard. Mary’s example reminds me of who I once was, but I have a wall and toxic environment.
Lord, I life up this soul to you. Father protect and strengthen their heart, bring them renewed hope. Lord I pray your protection over the environment they are in and ask that your peace would reign in the walls of their heart. Your word never returns empty, let your scripture be in their mind, reviving and life giving. Father move in the hearts of those around them, give them hearts of flesh so that as you move their hearts are soft and alert and ready to hear your call. Be with this soul give them strength and endurance to walk the path you have called them to walk. In Jesus name Amen
He’s right there my friend…. I pray that whatever situation you are in, that you can become free of this bondage that you feel…. he has not given you a spirit of fear, but power love and a sound mind….. I said that one over and over when I was bound with depression over a loved one. He freed me… I still hurt deeply over a loved one, but no longer in chains.
According to John 12 it was Judas who balked at the use of the perfume, not the Pharisees. Another proof of Judas’ greediness.
The story of Mary of Bethany is one that lives close to my heart..
This song https://youtu.be/kfVwIARBZW8 has me in bits every time..
When my daughter died, I wrestled with God..Jacob had nothing on MY wrestling!
I fought. I accused. I questioned. Oh how I questioned!
One of my questions was why we weren’t given more time.. we should have had more time!!
In the stillness after that question, and exhausted from my ‘wrestling ‘, as clear as you are reading this I heard God, say..”…and what would you have done, if I had given you more days? ”
I already knew the answer… I would have asked for more and continued to do so..
Thats us.. always wanting more and holding tight the things we acquire.. placing them, sometimes above people.., one of the things I am witnessing now in this season is people placing importance on people, and supporting, and helping and being more aware of the neighbour..
We may not purposely make idols of the ‘bigger or better or go home’ mantra of our world, but we can buy into it before we know it…
Mary of Bethany, she absolutely knew the cost of the alabaster jar, she probably could have lived comfortably with the monetary cost, and yet…Abraham, he also knew the cost, not monetary, but the gift of this lonnnnngggg awaited son, yet still.. the little old lady with her last pennies.. still.. they were prepared to give back to God what He had blessed them with.. with open hands, not closed fists..
This is a good reminder to me to not hold tightly to what God has provided,blessed me with..
May my praise, worship always be of an alabaster jar worth..my all..
In the words/promise/pledge of Samuel’s mother..Hannah..
Hannah made a solemn promise: “ Lord Almighty, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don’t forget me! If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut.”
1 Samuel 1:11 GNT
Amen
Happy Wednesday sisters. Praying God turn his face to shine on you and yours whatever your day looks like..❤
I wonder how she knew what was going to happen to Jesus. Even the disciples didn’t know as close as they were to Him. It makes me realize that when I feel the Holy Spirit urging me to do something that I shouldn’t hesitate but just do it. Even if I don’t understand it. Lord, please cause me to be sensitive to your call of action and to always be ready to serve you and others no matter what the cost. Help me to let go of treasure here on earth in order to lay up treasure in heaven.
I have never thought about how Mary “broke the jar and poured it over his head”. Was this symbolic of his broken body? Why not pour it from the spout?
I keep thinking of empty hands…..giving, until you have nothing left to give. Wow. Lord, help me be those hands!
Was just thinking about this Karen. Mary broke the bottle and spilled all she had & Jesus does the same on the cross. Whether it was meant to be symbolic or not, it’s still a beautiful image.
Why did Satan enter Judas? I think I must have skipped that in my previous reading of Luke 22:3. I saw that before with the Pharisees. Would Judas have changed his mind if not for Satan? I wonder if he felt guilty after. I have trouble living with my own sins, can’t image how I could ever forgive myself if it wasn’t for my LORD.
I think he did feel guilty and that is why he hung himself.
From, He Reads Truth today: “Mary’s heart was undivided. That perfume poured out in extravagance might as well have been her own life. She loved Jesus. . . ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever’ (Revelation 11:15). This is the future. This is certain. Therefore, it is never a mistake to pour ourselves out for the Lord, never a waste to give Him everything we have.”
Lord, I pray for an undivided heart, for hands empty of every thing; holding only to You. May each day of breath You give, become a fragrance deserving of my Lord and King. Thank you for Your work in these days.
Beautiful, thank you for sharing.
What a great reminder of how important it is to separate ourselves from the world and right now we have been give the perfect opportunity to do so and focus on the life changing event that occurred for us. My prayer for Easter is that people will turn their hearts, souls and minds to Jesus the true meaning of Easter. What a great opportunity to surrender all their confusion and fears to the love, peace, freedom and joy in Christ.
We are to separate ourselves from the world system, not the people:
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 NASBS
[9] I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; [10] I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. [11] But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-not even to eat with such a one. [12] For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? [13] But those who are outside, God judges. Remove THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
Thank you all so much for sharing Scriptures of encouragement yesterday! I’m excitedly compiling and sharing them with loved ones and they too are so touched that so many of you responded. I’m truly grateful for our SRT community, especially at this time when we can’t physically congregate.
Today, Katie’s message couldn’t be more apt for this season. So quickly, we’ve been forced to loosen our grip on things that give us meaning and comfort because of the virus. It was at first difficult, but I’m grateful for this time wherein we’re called to reconfigure our gaze on Him alone.
Clara I’m so thankful you asked for encouragement as I just went back to yesterday’s devotion and wrote down all the verses everyone gave you – my heart is lifted this morning. I’m going to write them in my journal and share with my family and friends. Blessings on your day. Tina
Simply beautiful. There is something compelling in the open-handed attitude of Mary.
Just thought I should reread this Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:15 (CSB): 15 For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. That’s sometimes think about. Many people are searching for answers right now! Jesus is The Answer. May we draw people to Him by our words and actions! In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen!