Extravagant Love

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. JOHN 12:1-3

The book of John's second half is a powerful account of Jesus' final days before his crucifixion. In today's text, we witness a beautiful scene where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus give a dinner in Jesus' honor. Lazarus, raised from the dead, reclined at the table while Martha served with all her heart. On the other hand, Mary took expensive ointment and poured it on Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair.

This passage highlights love and devotion. Mary's anointing Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and wiping them with her hair was a costly and extravagant act of love and dedication. It was an expression of her complete surrender and submission to Jesus. However, in focusing on Mary's act of love, we must not overlook Martha's service. Martha's service was an act of love that demonstrated her dedication to Jesus and her willingness to serve him and others.

Both Mary and Martha teach us that true love involves surrender and service. They surrendered everything they had and displayed their love for Jesus in worship. Their love was not merely an emotion or a feeling; it was a commitment to serve and honor Jesus with their whole being.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: How can we show our love and devotion to Jesus? How can we commit to loving and serving others to express our love for Christ? May we follow the example of Mary and Martha and demonstrate extravagant love in our lives through our love language.