Oct 12

Sacrificial Love

“Leave her alone, Jesus replied. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John 12:7

What a beautiful example of sacrificial love! Mary was the one who sat at Jesus' feet. She not only heard his words, she believed him when he said he would soon die. His disciples were in denial. How hard this must have been for our Lord! But Mary hears and she understands and she weeps. Her tears mingle with the perfume and became a potent perfume, a fragrant reminder of her extravagant love, which brought with it a message that he was not alone. As Jesus was being flogged, the perfume still hung on his hair reminding him he was not alone. When he carried the cross to Calvary, the fragrance of Mary’s love must have spurred him on. While he hung on the cross in agony dying for our sin, Mary’s gift lingered and reminded our Lord why he was there. Yes, Mary broke her alabaster jar of perfume for her savior because she knew he had come to break his for all humanity. It was a gift he never regretted giving, nor did she. 

Father, please help each of us to listen to your words and really hear them. Help us not to get so wrapped up in your business that we miss what you are telling us through your Word. Help us to be so in tune with you and our Lord Jesus, that, like Mary, we will be willing to pour out our most prized possessions for you, with gratitude and tears. We love you both with all our hearts; help us to live that love. Amen