John 12:3-8
"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. ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’"
Six days before the Passover, in the quiet town of Bethany, three siblings, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had a dinner for Jesus. Only a short time before Lazarus took ill and died—Jesus raised him from the tomb (John 11:38-44). Mary performed an act of deep devotion: she poured out her precious ointment on Jesus' feet. Judas met this act of worship with criticism and misunderstanding calling her wasteful.
Judas's criticism of Mary's anointing of Jesus highlights a harsh reality: the world may not only misunderstand our acts of service but may speak of them as evil. At times, what we offer to God from the depths of our hearts may be misinterpreted, criticized, or undervalued by others. It’s a challenging truth that our purest intentions can be misconstrued as selfish or misguided. It's a reminder that the value of our service is not determined by human appraisal but by the heart's intention before God.
Serving God authentically means we may face misunderstanding, criticism, or even hostility. Yet, the call to follow Jesus is a call to serve and love, even when it's hard, even when it's misunderstood. Mary's example encourages us to focus not on the voices around us but on the One we serve.
Jesus defends Mary's act as meaningful and timely. Her service became a fragrant offering, filling the space with beauty and dignity, pointing towards Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. When we serve God from our hearts, our actions carry a fragrance far beyond the immediate moment or setting—they resonate with eternal significance.
We are called to pour out our lives as Mary poured out her perfume—lavishly, lovingly, and unto God. Our service may not always align with the world’s expectations or values, but in Christ, we find the freedom to serve in ways that are deeply counter-cultural and profoundly beautiful.
Prayer
Lord, in a world quick to judge and slow to understand, help us to serve You with hearts undeterred by criticism. May our acts of devotion, no matter how misunderstood, be a fragrant offering to You. Give us the courage to pour out our lives in service, love, and worship, following the example of Mary. In the face of misunderstanding, keep our eyes fixed on You, finding in Your approval our greatest reward. Amen.
Reflection Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced criticism or misunderstanding for an act of service or devotion to God. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
2. Consider the motivations behind your acts of service and devotion. Are they rooted in a desire to glorify God and love others, or are there elements of self-interest or seeking approval from others?
3. How can you cultivate a deeper resilience and conviction in your faith, particularly in moments when your good intentions may be misunderstood or criticized by others?