“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. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected. ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.'”
John 12:3-4, 7
For weeks, Jesus had been telling His disciples that He would soon be crucified and taken from them. Judging from their confusion after His death, it’s obvious they did not listen. But one person listened, really listened to the words of Jesus. It was Mary, the sister of Martha.
I’m sure that the Lord was deeply touched by her demonstration of devotion, the pouring of perfume on His feet. What may have touched Him more, however, was the knowledge that Mary was doing this as a preparation for His burial. Perhaps she realized that crucified criminals were not permitted to be anointed for burial; perhaps this act of devotion was her way of offering, in advance, what might not be permitted after His death.
How did Mary know all this? She sat at the feet of Jesus and drank in His every word. She pondered the things He said, weighing everything, considering it all. The disciples failed to genuinely listen and missed the chance to minister to the Lord before He went to the cross.
We bring so much delight to the Lord when we sit at His feet and consider all the things He says. Others may miss the point or bypass the lesson. But for those who hang on His words, to them, God reveals His secret plan and purpose.
Lord, today I sit at Your feet to listen. Oh, may I genuinely hear what wonderful things You have to say.
