An $80,000 gift?

Good morning!

This morning's text is John 12:1-11, the story of Mary anointing Jesus, two days before the beginning of Passion Week.

This story is a bit of a puzzle.  Unlike the raising of Lazarus, which was only recorded in the gospel of John, this story appears in the gospels of Matthew (26:6-13) and Mark (14:3-9) as well, albeit in slightly different forms.  There is a similar story in Luke 7.  I'm going to be comparing the accounts this morning.

Sometimes, the gospels differ somewhat from each other, without changing the main gist of the story. It is similar to different people watching the same events and reporting them; their accounts would vary slightly as each related the details they considered to be most important.  Combined together, the accounts paint a complete picture.  Here are some similarities and differences in these accounts:

1.  Location
The Matthew and Mark accounts specify that the event took place in Bethany, at the house of Simon the Leper.  We really do not know who this person was, other than that he lived in Bethany and was close friends with "the siblings" (Mary, Martha, Lazarus).  It is also clear that Simon had been healed of his leprosy, one can conclude by Jesus, since he was mingling with the general population, an action forbidden to highly-contagious lepers.
The account in John tells us that the event took place in Bethany but does not specify at whose house it occurred.
By contrast, the Luke account specifies the event took place in the house of a Pharisee in an unspecified town.  Later in the account, the owner of the home is identified as Simon.

2.  The Anointer
The Matthew and Mark accounts do not name the woman who performed this act of love toward Jesus.  John names her as Mary, and it is assumed that this is the Mary present at the dinner, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
Luke does not name the woman but identifies her as a "sinful woman", a description which does not fit with the character traits of the devoted Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus.

I believe the Mary who anointed the feet of Jesus to be Mary Magdalene.

There are three women called Mary, mentioned in the New Testament:   Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary of Magdala (Mary Magdalene); and Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.  The Mary named here in John's gospel is mentioned so casually that it is clear John expected the reader to know who she was. Mary Magdalene and other women traveled with the disciples, as devoted followers of Jesus.  They prepared meals and attended to other campfire tasks.  Remember that Jesus and the disciples did a lot of traveling/camping.  The inclusion of women in the traveling band is verified by Luke 8:1-3.
Mary the mother of Jesus is not mentioned as one who traveled with Him and the disciples.  Neither is Mary of Bethany mentioned in such a capacity.  (In fact, if we hearken back to the story of Lazarus's death, Mary and Martha both sent word to Jesus to come to Bethany to heal their brother.)

3.  The Reactions
The Luke account focuses on the reaction of the homeowner, Simon the Leper, who was silently condemning Jesus for allowing Himself to be touched by a "sinful woman".  Jesus read his mind as the anointing was occurring and used the occasion to tell a precious parable that ends with "the one who is forgiven little, loves little" (Luke 7:47)  We read elsewhere in Scripture that Mary Magdalene had been delivered by Jesus from several demons (Luke 8:2).  Magdala was a city famous for prostitution, which has led some to believe that Mary Magdalene was also a former prostitute, although there is no scriptural basis for this.
The John account focuses on Judas Iscariot's reaction.  {Matthew (26:8) and Mark (14:4) only specify "some of the disciples" or "some who were present".}
According to John, Judas became indignant that such a costly, perfumed ointment would be "wasted" in such a manner.  Judas was the "treasurer" of the group of disciples.  It is implied that he routinely stole from the money bag.  Apparently, Mary Magdalene had been "holding out" on a large sum of money, which Judas could have "kept" in the treasury of the organization.

4.  The Love Expressed
We must not miss the love expressed by Mary in these passages.
Of all people, a redeemed demoniac saw what others failed to see.
Whereas the other disciples could not understand or refused to accept that Jesus was not going to fulfill the role of "Messiah, the Ruling, Conquering King" in this His first advent, Mary saw that.
She also understood that Jesus was about to return to Jerusalem for the Passover and that He was most likely going to die.
Do you know what spikenard is?  In those days, it was a very costly perfume, imported from the Far East.  A relative of the valerian plant, it grew in the Himalayan mountains.  A pound of spikenard would have cost an entire year's wages.

Now let me ask you.  If your total family income is, say, $80,000 - - - would you spend that amount of money on perfume for someone you loved?
Mary had been delivered from extreme spiritual bondage.  She had traveled with Jesus for some time. She wanted to express her love for Him in a tangible way, while she still could.

Have you ever heard anyone say, "I'm sending her flowers while she can still appreciate them; she won't see them when she is dead and gone."  So true!  I believe that this is what was at work in the heart of Mary.

Perhaps she still struggled with her past.  In the Luke passage, Jesus reaffirms to her:  "your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace".  How many of us Christians struggle with our pasts in a similar way?

Jesus says to us, His redeemed, as well - - - "go in peace".  Be at peace; walk in peace.

How is Jesus calling you to express your love for Him today?  We read in Matt. 26:13 that Mary would be renowned for this act of pure love.  Perhaps He is not calling you to spend $80,000 for the sake of the gospel.  But, what IS He calling you to do, to express your love for Him?

Good morning, Lord.  When I try to grasp tightly to my chest some gift You have given, please forgive me.  Open my hands, and my heart.  All the gifts I bring to You first came to me from Your hand.  All I have is Yours...my heart, my treasure.  In Jesus' name, amen.