ReignSample

It was a beautiful gesture, and as Jesus promised, it has echoed down through the ages, touching lives everywhere it’s recounted (see Mark 14:9). In three of the Gospels, the woman is unnamed, but John tells us she is Mary of Bethany, one of Lazarus’s sisters (see John 12:3). Perhaps it was out of gratitude for raising her brother to new life. Maybe it was simply because she understood, better than most, that Jesus was the Savior she needed. Whatever thoughts were running through her mind and heart, she brought a very expensive bottle of perfume—one that cost more than a year’s wages—and poured it all out on Jesus’ head.

This “pure nard” (Mark 14:3) likely came from India. With a fragrance so expensive, it would have been used sparingly—only a drop on very special occasions. But Mary gave it all to Jesus. In the days to come, standing before Herod and Pilate, Jesus would smell like the King He is, and the scent would linger through the crucifixion, anointing Him for His burial.

While some of His disciples objected to the lavish gift, Jesus saw it for what it was—an appropriate act of worship. Mary’s beautiful act holds a special place in redemption history, but it should not stand alone. God, help us “pour it all out” for You every day of our redeemed lives.