October 10, 2012 Give Him

Give Him John 12:3 Then Mary took a whole pint of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house. QUITE a gift…quite an honor. Mary’s attitude has changed a good deal since her disappointment in her Lord because he didn’t show up to heal Lazarus. Jesus came to Lazarus, to Martha and now to Mary with the fullness of life. Now it is time to say, “Thank you, Lord.” And Mary’s thank you is a thank you from her heart. Mary takes an expensive pint of perfume and uses it all to anoint her Lord with honor and worship. In the perfume is her love, and she wants Jesus to know that he is worth far more than any price that is on that bottle of perfume. Judas is the disciple who complains the perfume is wasted. Yes, it could have been used for the poor; it could have been used for Mary’s own household. I doubt they had much money. She could have bought food for her family. Instead she honored Jesus. She now understood Jesus as the source of all life, of all that comes from life and into life. Jesus is the great Provider, the loving giver of himself. How do you model that life-giving in your own life? What do you give – your time, your talents, your love, your encouragement – to your family, friends, neighbors, church family? Do you sacrifice some things you want in order to give to others? Yes, that is living in trust of the Savior’s life. May your heart tell Jesus, “Thank you for life!” and respond with worship and honor to Jesus. Then share his resurrection gift. Give him to others who need his tender care. It’s True! Jesus anoints you with his life. Give his life to others.