2011-10-03 - What Would Mary Say?

John 12:1-8

"You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." (John 12:8)

My brother Lazarus was sitting with Jesus while I anointed Him. My sister Martha would think this gesture was unladylike and disgraceful. I did not care this time.

The house was filled with the ointment's fragrance. I was ridiculed that I was wasting the perfume by pouring it on Jesus. I first thought, Judas Iscariot must think little of Jesus, for saying such a thing. Did Judas think it was a pious answer he was supposed to say about the poor, or was he envious he didn't think of the idea first? Knowing Judas Iscariot the way I do, I think he just wanted the money for himself.

Jesus wasn't afraid to come to my rescue. He said things I wasn't used to hearing. He defended my actions. Jesus said we would always have the poor among us, but we would not always have Him. I wish Jesus did not talk about Himself like that.

He was so appreciative about the bottle of perfume. Well, okay, it signified more than a perfume bottle. It showed someone caring about Him, putting the Lord first. Maybe not many had shown Him that consideration before. It must be hard to always be there to meet others' needs.

The incident was so memorable that Jesus said the story would live on as a memorial to me. I had no idea this scent would have such an effect. I just wanted to show my reverence to Him. My sister Martha was doing what she does well, serving people, and I was back at Jesus' feet, where I felt I belonged.

Lord, At times I am not sure what I need; just let me know if I am at least heading in the right direction. Thank You for defending me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

lisacfdev@yahoo.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www/writingbylisa.com