John 12:1–11
📖 Scripture | The Anointing at Bethany
“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.” — John 12:3 (NIV)
Scripture Reading John 12:1-11 (Read the full Scripture from the Holy Bible)
🌅 Introduction: A Moment That Changed Everything
Some moments in Scripture are quiet, yet they echo through eternity.
Bethany was one of those moments.
No thunder.
No miracles in the sky.
Just a woman, a jar of perfume, and a Savior who was about to be crucified.
Yet what Mary did in that room still speaks to us today—about love, surrender, worship, and the kind of faith that costs something. Her story asks us a searching question:
What do we pour out when Jesus is near?
🔍 Observation: The Scene at Bethany
Six days before Passover, Jesus arrived in Bethany—home of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in His honor.
- Martha served faithfully, as she always did.
- Lazarus sat at the table—living proof of resurrection power.
- Mary broke open a jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair.
The fragrance filled the entire house.
But not everyone celebrated.
Judas Iscariot criticized her, claiming the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Scripture reveals his true motive—he was a thief, not a humanitarian.
Jesus silenced him.
“Leave her alone… She did it in preparation for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7)
What looked like waste to others was worship to Jesus.
🕊️ Spiritual Insight: What This Moment Reveals
This moment is layered with divine meaning:
- Jesus is the Passover Lamb, soon to be sacrificed (Exodus 12).
- Mary discerned what others missed—that His death was near.
- Her worship was prophetic, honoring Him before the cross.
- Lazarus’ presence was testimony—proof that Jesus has power over death.
- The religious leaders’ anger exposed hardened hearts that rejected truth even when resurrection stood before them.
“God looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
Two people can do the same outward action, yet God sees entirely different motives. One gives to be seen. The other gives because love compels them.
💔 A Personal Testimony: The Beautiful Waste
When Obedience Looks Foolish
There was a season when my faith looked a lot like Judas’ mindset—measured, calculated, controlled.
I gave God my Sundays.
I gave Him a portion of my income.
But I kept my plans, my career, and my security tightly in my hands.
I believed that as long as I was “responsible,” God would understand.
Then life unraveled.
Burnout.
Loss.
Uncertainty.
A series of endings that stripped away everything I relied on.
Like Lazarus, I experienced a kind of death—of dreams, direction, and stability.
And yet, in that place, God began to breathe again.
He gently led me away from striving and into surrender.
I felt a quiet nudge to step into something uncertain—sharing His Word, serving, creating spaces where others could encounter Him. There was no guarantee of income. No applause. Only obedience.
My logical mind protested:
“This is foolish. You need security.”
But my spirit whispered:
“This is worship.”
And just like Mary, I poured out what little I had—my time, my gifts, my voice—trusting that Jesus was worth it.
The fragrance that followed was peace.
🕯️ Life Application: What This Means for Us
🌿 What We Learn from Bethany:
- Worship is not about appearance—it’s about surrender.
- True devotion often looks wasteful to the world.
- God values the heart behind the offering, not its size.
- When we pour ourselves out for Jesus, He fills us with peace.
📖 Practical Reflection:
- What am I holding back from God?
- Where have I been calculating instead of trusting?
- What would it look like to pour out my “best” at Jesus’ feet today?
✍️ Journaling Prompt
🖊️ If I were standing in that room in Bethany, what would I be holding in my hands? What is Jesus inviting me to surrender—not out of pressure, but out of love?
🕯️ A Prayer of Surrender
Lord Jesus,
I come to You with all that I am and all that I have.
Teach me to love You without fear of loss.
Help me release what I cling to and trust that You are enough.
Let my life be a fragrance that honors You.
Amen.
💬 Reflection Question for You
What is one thing God may be asking you to lay at His feet today—and what is holding you back?
I would love to hear your story in the comments. Your testimony may be the fragrance someone else needs today.
🌿 Explore More
- Faith & Daily Devotion
- Walking with Jesus
- Spiritual Growth
- Biblical Reflections
- Faith in Seasons of Waiting
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“Extravagant love pours itself out without calculating the cost.” — Adapted from A.W. Tozer
May your life, like Mary’s offering, fill every room you enter with the fragrance of Christ. 💛
Immanuel and Me 
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