The Overwhelming Grace of Jesus

Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume as an outpouring of pure love, regardless of the cost. She had seen the miracle of her brother Lazarus being raised from the dead. So, she was overcome by her need to humble herself before Jesus because she knew, without question, that He was who He claimed to be: God incarnate.

We then get the contrast of Judas, who, according to John, the disciples knew was a thief. He questioned why expensive perfume would be “wasted” in this manner when they could have sold it for money to feed the poor. It’s a disingenuous statement coming from someone with impure motives.

The contrast is poignant. While Judas could only think of money, Mary was consumed with love. However, even though Jesus knew Judas to be a thief, He merely said, “Leave her alone,” and left it at that. Jesus didn’t call out Judas’ disingenuous nature (giving him grace). At the same time, He acknowledged that, even though the pouring out of such extravagance was perhaps an over-exuberance on Mary’s part, she needed to have an outlet for her overwhelming love.

Think: How is the entire scene, depicted in these verses, a model of the complexities of the Church as one body?

Pray: Heavenly Father, grant each of us the ability to extend grace to everyone we encounter. You know their hearts, and that is sufficient.

Respond: Do you ever question the discretion of others in how they choose to serve and worship? Challenge yourself to have an extra measure of grace for those who may serve the Lord in a way different from yourself.

Author: Ken Eagon, B4Church Member