Extravagant Love – John’s Gospel chapter 12, verses 1 to 8
The crazy things we do for those we love.
A feast of celebration
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
John 12:1-2
Simon (who had been leper) and Lazarus (who had been dead) were there – 2 living breathing examples of Jesus’ power and goodness. These were things only Jesus could do for them.
Mary’s lavish act
Then Mary took about half a litre 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.
John 12:3
A very unexpected and shocking happening. Mary’s perfume, her best possession. Mary’s hair, her glory, used to wash Jesus’ feet. Her thanks for what Jesus alone could do for her.
God’s love for us does not change with OUR feelings nor failings. Can we ever exceed His love for us? Never! He showers and saturates us with His love. The fuel and motivation of our love for God is His love for us. “We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Our best, given in humility, is a sweet aroma. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Cor 2:14-15
Judas’ selfish objection
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ 6 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.
John 12:4-6
He was not only a traitor but also a thief. He cared nothing for the poor.
Worship is Jesus is never wasted
‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’
John 12:7-8
Unawares Mary is preparing for Jesus’ burial. Nothing done for Him is ever wasted.
How much do I love Jesus? We may ask this with real doubt. Much better to ask “How much does Jesus love me?”
