While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Mark 14:3 NIV
Jesus stayed in the small town of Bethany during the week leading up to his crucifixion. This is the town where Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived, and they were in attendance at this banquet given in the home of Simon (John 12:1-8). In fact, the woman mentioned in this account in Mark was Mary, the sister of Lazarus.
While they were eating dinner, Mary took an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head. Nard was an aromatic oil extracted from the root of a plant grown in India. It was packaged in small single-application alabaster jars. The neck of the jar would be broken, and the oil poured out for use. According to those who saw this take place, this small container of nard was worth more than a year’s wages. This was an extremely lavish gift that Mary gave to Jesus. And one that seemed to be a waste of resources to those watching.
But Jesus knew her heart and defended her actions. Mary gave what was likely the best thing that she owned. And gave it without reservation, holding nothing back. She gave out of love and gratitude for what Jesus had done for her.
Mary’s action is a model for all who would follow Jesus. To be broken and spilled out, giving the best that we have, holding back nothing from the one whose body was broken and whose blood was spilled out for us on the cross.
