Love Gives Extravagantly
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, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” (John 12:3-5)
Mary’s gift was very expensive. Imagine spending the equivalent of your annual salary in one act of unselfish thanksgiving. Her gift represented great sacrifice. She may have spent her life savings – every penny.
She didn’t buy her gift on the bargain table at K-Mart during a blue light special! She went to Neiman Marcus and asked for the very best.
I like to imagine the scene happening something like this. Mary asks the owner of the most elite store in Jerusalem to show her the very best fragrance he has. Seeing in her only a poor peasant, he suggests a cheap cologne.
“Have you nothing better?” she asks.
“Yes, I have better, but it will cost you 50 denarri – can you afford that?” he asks doubtfully.
“I’m prepared to spend my life savings… so show me the best,” she demands.
“And how much is your life savings?” the increasingly interested shopkeeper queries.
“Just show me what you have,” Mary responds.
The shopkeeper studies Mary for a moment. He’s convinced that she means business. He walks over to a locked box and inserts a key. He gently lifts out a flask, wrapped in silk.
“This ointment is purchased only by the richest families in Jerusalem.” (He begins to drop names of famous celebrities who wear this perfume).
“It comes from the Nile,” he continues. “We import it from Egypt. I’m sure you can’t afford this. It costs 150 denarii.”
“But is this the very best you have,” Mary presses.
“Are you saying this isn’t good enough?” asks the shocked merchant.
“I’m just asking if this is the best,” persists Mary.
The shopkeeper lets out a low whistle. He goes to the door and looks both ways. He closes the door, locks it and pulls the shade.
“Wait here,” he whispers, as he disappears into the back room. Moments later he reappears. Cradled in his hands is a beautifully and intricately carved alabaster flask.
“This is the finest ointment money can buy. It’s imported from India. I ordered it for the King of Morocco who is coming this summer. I suppose there is still time to get another pint shipped if you have 300 denarii. But, ma’am, this ointment is only for a king!”
“Then let me have it,” Mary replies with conviction, “IT’S FOR A KING!”
Jesus gave extravagantly when he gave his life on the cross. When you truly are captivated by the love of God revealed for you at Calvary, then you long to give back to the One who has given so much for you. You long to serve your Savior. No sacrifice is too great. You don’t ask “what is the least I can do for him,” but “what how much more can I do and give for him who gave his all for me?”