A Beautiful Offering: The Anointing at Bethany
A Beautiful Offering: The Anointing at Bethany
Six days before the Passover, as the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry began to unfold, a quiet but powerful moment took place in the small village of Bethany—a moment of worship, sacrifice, and preparation.
Jesus had returned to Bethany to spend time with dear friends—Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. He was invited to dine at the home of Simon the Leper, a man likely healed by Jesus and known within the community. During this meal, Mary stepped into the story with an act that still moves hearts today.
An Act of Extravagant Worship
Without warning or words, Mary approached Jesus with a jar of pure nard, a fragrant and very expensive perfume. She broke the jar, poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet (some accounts say His head as well), and wiped them with her hair.
This was no small gesture.
The perfume was worth a year’s wages. In modern terms, this would be like pouring out tens of thousands of dollars in a single moment. Her act was unashamed, undignified, and deeply personal. She didn’t hold anything back.
And Jesus received it.
Criticism from the Crowd
Not everyone was impressed.
Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray Jesus, objected: “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” (John 12:5). On the surface, it sounds noble. But John tells us that Judas didn’t care about the poor—he was a thief and wanted access to the money.
But Jesus silenced the criticism with these words:
“Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:7–8)
At that moment, Jesus affirmed that Mary had seen something no one else had seen. She understood—at least in part—that Jesus was headed toward the cross. Her response was to worship Him with everything she had.
A Lesson for Today
This story is more than a historical account—it’s an invitation.
When was the last time we worshiped like Mary?
When did we last give without calculation or hesitation?
When did we last pour something costly at Jesus’ feet?
Mary’s act reminds us that real worship costs something. It might cost us our pride. Our reputation. Our comfort. Even our finances. But Jesus called it “a beautiful thing” (Mark 14:6).
As we move into Holy Week, may we reflect on Mary’s example and ask ourselves:
What am I holding back?
Final Thought
In a world full of noise and crowds, Mary chose stillness and surrender. She didn’t care what others thought. She saw Jesus for who He truly was—the Savior worthy of it all.
Let’s follow her lead. Let’s make space to sit at His feet, to honor Him deeply, and to offer our lives in worship.