Humility and Honor



John 12:1-8
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Six days before Jesus faces crucifixion He arrives back at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Of course, Martha serves the food and Mary sits at the feet of her Lord and Master. On this occasion she presents Jesus with gift of anointing. Mary pours spikenard over Jesus head and feet. This ointment is made from a rare plant found only in the foothills of the Himalayas. It was used for several purposes during Jesus time, including embalming. Mary was probably not considering that usage as she anoints Jesus, but the meaning is easily found by those of us who already know the entire story.

We now see Judas' true colors as he comments with disgust about her gift. He even declares the monetary value of this ointment. Three hundred denarii would equal a year's wage for most people during that time. Jesus defends her actions and honors her sacrifice.

As Mary uses her hair to wipe Jesus feet we see the final outcome of her actions. He shows Jesus great honor through this anointing and displays her great humility as she wipes His feet with her hair. Here are the twin attributes we might want to think about today: honor and humility. Mary honors her Lord while showing great personal humility. The actions of wiping someone's feet were reserved for the lowest of the low. Only slaves performed such duties. Thus we are given a view into her heart and passion after Jesus.

 Jesus isn't sitting in my living room today, waiting for me to honor Him with and anointing. But I am surrounded by people I can serve and in doing so, I bring Him honor. There is certainly no task I am beyond performing and so humility needs to follow me wherever I go. Mary stands as a wonderful example of both of these attributes and maybe today would be well spent copying her example.

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