These scriptural reflections by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok are copyrighted, but you are free to reproduce them for your own noncommercial personal or church use. Other uses require permission of the author, who may be reached at revsandyb@aol.com.

"Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." John 12:1-3

The joyful family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus privately honored Jesus with a lavish dinner. They chose to entertain him with the best they had to offer as an expression of gratitude and love. They were rejoicing in the gift of life. Lazarus sat at the table near Jesus, still amazed to find himself alive. As usual, Martha was serving (Luke 10:40), happily attending to Jesus with the best portions of every dish. According to ancient custom, the men reclined around a U shaped table. They leaned on cushions and ate with their free hand. Their feet were far away from the table.

Suddenly Mary shocked the exuberant dinner party into silence as she did the unthinkable. In an act of tremendous love, she took an enormous amount of pure and costly perfume and lavishly anointed the feet of her beloved spiritual leader and friend. The men gasped in dismay as she loosened her hair, using her long tresses to wipe Jesus' feet dry. In those days, only wanton women of the streets unbound their hair publicly. Foot care was for the lowliest of slaves to perform. The odor of death in the previous chapter (11:39) had now been replaced with the odor of extravagant love. The entire house filled with the sweet fragrance.

By anointing Jesus' feet, Mary modeled humble service and discipleship through her loving act of foot washing. Through her robust faith, Mary showed the depth of her love for Jesus. In utter humility, she willingly took the place of the lowliest slave in love, gratitude and joy as she served him.

Jesus was physically in great danger. The shadow of the cross loomed before him. He would soon be dead. Of all his followers, only Mary anticipated Jesus' pending death and burial (John 19:38-42). Through her actions, she declared her faith in him without words while he was still alive. Mary was not afraid or ashamed to identify with Jesus. She had listened closely to him throughout the past three years and understood Jesus would soon suffer and die. With an active warrant out for the arrest of her beloved friend, it was only a matter of time before his enemies would kill him.

Mary continues to inspire men and women throughout the centuries. She has always been recognized for her great love for Jesus. Mary was content to linger at his feet (Luke 10:39; John 11:32). She realized that was enough. She determined to give him the best she had while he was still living. Mary reminds us love is creative and active, courageous and lavish. Love for Christ can be spontaneous and extravagant. Matthew Henry, a famed evangelical theologian who lived during the early 1700's sums up today's story best. "It is better to be a waiter at Christ's table than a guest at the table of a prince." He understood that no devotion to Christ could be excessive.

Will we follow the example of Mary today? How can we honor Christ in our lives with the love and devotion she models for us? Begin by imagining sitting at the feet of Jesus. Quietly reflect on how Christ has loved us. How has his love changed our lives? Through prayer, begin expressing gratitude and ask for opportunities for humble service.

Prayer: More love to thee, O Christ, we pray. May we humbly serve you today in our words, thoughts and deeds. May our love for you be as honest and courageous as Mary's. Help us linger in this story and breathe in the sweet fragrance of her generous gift. Amen.