Bible Verse:   John 12:3

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.

Mary of Bethany is best known in the Bible for her acts of deep devotion and worship toward Jesus. She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and they lived in the village of Bethany. Mary is featured in two notable moments in the Gospels. The first is when Jesus visits their home, and while Martha is busy serving, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings (Luke 10:38-42). This act highlights her desire to prioritize spiritual growth and closeness to Jesus over earthly concerns, demonstrating her deep love and focus on Him.

The second significant event is when Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume just days before His crucifixion (John 12:1-8). In this act of worship, Mary pours the perfume on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair, a gesture of humility, love, and sacrifice. Jesus acknowledges this as preparation for His burial, and He commends her for her devotion. Mary of Bethany is thus remembered for her attentiveness to Jesus and her profound acts of love, symbolizing wholehearted worship and spiritual insight.

The Lesson: Mary of Bethany teaches us that true devotion and worship come from the heart. Her act of anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume shows her willingness to give something valuable to express her love and reverence. She wasn’t concerned about what others thought or the material value of her offering—she was focused on honoring Jesus. This reminds us that in our daily lives, worship isn’t just about rituals or appearances, but about sincere acts of love and sacrifice.

We can apply this lesson in our daily lives by prioritizing time with God, offering our talents, resources, and time wholeheartedly, and not holding back because of fear of judgment or loss. Genuine devotion is about giving our best, regardless of the cost, and doing so with humility and love.

Disclaimer: Some original content in this blog has been improved or modified using AI technology to enhance clarity and readability.