MATTHEW: Spotlight on Mary, sister of Lazarus

             Do you remember the woman who washed Jesus feet with perfume? This woman was Mary, the sister of both Martha & Lazarus, who lived in Bethany. The accounting of this event in the gospel of Matthew speaks as if the woman isn’t known; however, in John’s gospel more specific information is offered. John 12:1-11 says this: “Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar ^[1] of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.”

The disciples took exception to the use of this expensive perfume saying it could have been used for the poor, but Jesus let them know that Mary was doing a good thing. He rebuked those who chastised the use of expensive perfume for such a task by saying: “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” _{[Matthew 26:6-13]}

I have often heard it said that woman tend to be more spiritually in tune and aware than men. Maybe that’s true, maybe not, but Mary sure seems to have been very aware of what was about to happen to Jesus. Martha was unaware of what was happening around her because she made herself busy cleaning and cooking. Are you so busy planning and running your life that you neglect precious time with Jesus? Or do you respond to him by listening to his Word, then finding ways to worship him with your life? 

The worshipful devotion Mary offered Jesus would be remembered throughout eternity, while Martha’s busyness would not. Don’t get caught up doing things that have no eternal value when honoring God with your life is within your grasp. Honor God each day with your life.

Up next is a spotlight on Peter. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

^[1] The jar used was made of alabaster which was carved from translucent gypsum. These jars were used to hold perfumed oil. Essence of nard was a fragrant ointment imported from the mountains of India. Thus, it was very expensive. The amount Mary used was worth a year’s wages.