Matthew 26:6-13 #2

Matthew 26:6-13 #2
We only read of Mary twice before this incident. The previous occasion, at a similar dinner party, she sat at the feet of Jesus. Later, at the death of her brother Lazarus, she clutched the feet of Jesus and mourned that He had not been there in time. And now, on this occasion. But have you noticed that each time we see Mary, there is something special, something unusual? At the first dinner party, Martha served but Mary sat at the feet of Jesus learning from Him. When Jesus came to raise Lazarus, Martha had gone to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house until Jesus called for her. And now at this scene, everyone is introduced who is at the party, but what about Mary? She just suddenly bursts into the room with her flask of oil. It is sudden, unexpected, out of the ordinary, against tradition; it was what Mary and only Mary could be.
I always wonder at scenes like this at the look on the faces of the guests when Mary does this extraordinary act. Look at Lazarus. Do you think he is disturbed by this? The one who was given life and because of whom so many were believing? What about Simon the leper? Do you think this cleansed leper is indignant with Mary? No, but some who are present are indignant; notably Judas, but also some of the others.
Now let me tell you about this flask and the anointing. First be impressed with the flask itself: alabaster, milky white, stunningly beautiful. It would have been a prized possession. We don’t know how long Mary had it, but we know it was special; of great value to her. In the marginal reading in John’s account Jesus says, “She intended to keep it for My burial.” Mary had planned for this special occasion.
Then there is the oil. Genuine nard was made from dried leaves of a rare Himalayan plant. Mary had a full Roman pound of it, 12 ounces, at the cost of approximately $40,000 in today’s money; one year’s wage for a laboring man in the first century. (Maybe about now you also are having that same indignant feeling as did some of the disciples.) Do you see what Mary did? Without hesitation, she came into that room, broke the vase, and poured the contents over Jesus’ head. Imagine the fragrance immediately filling the room. Imagine the extravagance displayed in the presence of those who had never experienced such wealth. And then to the amazement of everyone, she poured the remaining contents of the vase on Jesus’ feet, pulled down her hair, and wiped His feet with her hair. May I remind you that this was not an every day incident. Such an act was reserved for royalty; it was the most lofty honor that could be bestowed. Mary knew that she was anointing the head and feet of God Himself. One other thing. Mary’s act of love/devotion would not have been quickly forgotten. The aroma would have clung to His garments for days after, possibly even up to the cross, if they were not washed. I wonder if even those who gambled for His garments noted the lingering fragrance. (to be continued)
Berry Kercheville