A Gift of Perfume

Jesus was in Bethany before the Passover. A supper was prepared for him. Martha served, and Lazarus sat at the table.

The guests shared the evening meal.

Mary brought a jar of costly perfume. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair.

The house filled with its fragrance.

Her gift showed love and gratitude. She was giving something precious to the One who had shown her great kindness.

Judas complained that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But his words hid his own dishonest interest in the money.

Jesus defended Mary. He connected her gift with the burial that lay ahead.

Mary had not understood everything that was coming. Still, Jesus received her loving gift and valued what she had done.

The jar was small, but the kindness it represented was great.

We do not need an expensive gift to show love. We can use what we have with care: a drawing, a helping hand, or time spent with someone.

A gift given freely is different from a gift meant to make us look important. Jesus notices the love behind it.