Worthy Praise

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Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 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)

Mary had been one of Jesus' closest friends and disciples, and Jesus had just restored her brother to life - literally calling him out of the grave. When Jesus joined her family to celebrate Mary expressed her gratitude in an exceedingly extravagant and personal way. Mary poured an entire container of expensive perfume on Jesus' feet and used her hair to soak up the excess. Jesus not only accepted her offering but praised her for generously lavishing him with her best gift. More than that, Jesus went on to imitate her. At his final meal with his disciples Jesus got down on his hands and knees and washed the feet of his disciples, and then instructed them to serve one another in that same way.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:12-17)

Certainly, Mary did not act out of a desire to be recognized or honored herself. She simply could not contain her gratitude. Perhaps she felt that words were inadequate and she sought to fully embody her praise. Those with less than pure motives misunderstood and criticized her, but she was unfazed and undeterred. While Jesus received, with appreciation, her willingness to spare no expense, his example of washing his disciples' feet shows that it was never about the cost but about the willingness to serve, shedding all privilege and pretense, in the effort to bless, encourage, and honor one another. May we be so filled with gratitude for all God has done, and continues to do, that we are moved to love one another with all that we have and all that we are.

3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb. 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

(Psalm 126:3-6)