A Prayer of Extravagant Love and Discerning Generosity
"Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein." - John 12:3-6
Heavenly Father,
As I come before Your presence, I am reminded of the moment when Mary poured out her most precious possession at the feet of Jesus. I reflect on the significance of this act, recorded in John 12:3-6, where "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."
Lord, Mary’s extravagant love for Jesus echoes in my heart. It was not just the physical act of anointing; it was a deep, profound expression of gratitude and reverence. I thank You, Father, for her example. Help me to replicate this fervent spirit of devotion in my own life. Let me not hold back in showing my love for You, but rather let it overflow in acts of worship and service that bring glory to Your name.
As I meditate on the scent that filled the house, I pray that my life, too, may resonate with the sweet aroma of Christ. May my actions, words, and heart be pleasing to You, enveloping those around me with the fragrance of Your love. When I serve others, let it be an extension of my love for You, deeply rooted in my understanding of Your sacrifice and grace.
Lord, I also consider Judas and his reaction to Mary’s act of devotion. Your Word tells us, "Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?" Father, help me to guard my heart against the critical spirit that scandalized Judas; protect me from judgments driven by selfishness and greed. May I never view generosity through the prism of self-interest, but always through the lens of love and compassion.
Judas's motivations were revealed: "This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein." Lord, if there are ways in my life where I am more concerned about material possessions, status, or self-gain than about giving and serving, soften my heart and lead me back to a place of true humility. Help me to evaluate my intentions and seek to align them with Your will. May I use the resources You have entrusted to me for the benefit of those around me, and not for my own selfish desires.
Teach me, O Lord, to be generous in spirit. Grant me the wisdom to discern when to give freely and when to be cautious, allowing me to manage my resources in a way that reflects Your heart for the lost and broken. I pray for a heart that shares not only my possessions but also my time, love, and compassion with those in need.
As I draw closer to You, remind me of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for me. Help me to give out of abundance, not from reluctance or compulsion. Let my heart mirror the selfless love shown by Mary, engaging in acts that others might deem foolish or extravagant, for the glory of Your kingdom.
In closing, I ask for Your strength, Lord—to step out in faith and extravagance, to love deeply, and to give generously. I yearn for a life that is a worshipful offering, reminiscent of the sweet odour of Mary’s anointing, forever lifting up the name of Jesus. Amen.
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John 12:3-6 Artwork
John 12:3-6 - "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." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it."
"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." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it." - John 12:3-6
John 12:3
John 6:12
John 6:3 - "And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples."
John 3:6 - "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
Matthew 3:11-12
John 6:12 - "When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost."
John 12:6 - "This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein."
1 John 3:6 - "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
John 3:12 - "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?"
Matthew 3:11-12
John 12:3 - "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."
3 John 1:12 - "Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true."
"And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples." - John 6:3
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:6
1 John 3:12 - "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous."
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
3 John 1:6 - "Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:"
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 (KJV) 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
"Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?" - Luke 3:12