A Woman Anoints Jesus With Perfume (Day 58)

Read Mark 14:1-9
 
   The Passover commemorated the night the Israelites were freed from Egypt (Exodus 12), when God “passed over” homes marked by the blood of the lamb while killing the firstborn sons in unmarked homes. The day of Passover was followed by a seven-day festival called the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This, too, recalled the Israelites’ quick escape from Egypt when they didn’t have time to let their bread rise, so they baked it without yeast. This holiday found people gathering for a special meal that included lamb, wine, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread. Eventually the whole week came to be called Passover. 
   The Jewish leaders plotted secretly to kill Jesus. The murder plot was not being planned because popular opinion had turned against Jesus. In fact, the leaders were afraid of Jesus’ popularity. 
 
   Bethany is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. This town was the home of Jesus’ friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, who were also present at this dinner (John 12). The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet was Mary, Lazarus and Martha’s sister. 
 
   Where Mark says “some of those at the table,” John specifically mentions Judas (John 12). Judas’ indignation over Mary’s act of worship was based not on concern for the poor but on greed. Because Judas was the treasurer of Jesus’ ministry and had embezzled funds, he no doubt wanted the perfume sold that he could benefit from the proceeds. 

   Jesus was not saying we should neglect the poor, nor was He justifying indifference to them. Jesus was praising Mary for her unselfish act of worship. The essence of worshipping Christ is to regard Him with utmost love, respect, and devotion and to be willing to sacrifice to Him what is most precious.