While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant.
“Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Would you like to do something that was so kind or good that it will be remembered for thousands of years? I sure would.

What is interesting about this passage is that in this gospel, the woman is not identified. But we find that John describes the same incident in John 12:3, and Mary. the sister of Lazarus, is identified there.

It is worth noting that Lazarus has recently been raised from the dead by Jesus, and it is likely that Simon the Leper was a leper that Jesus healed, or he would not been entertaining people, as leprosy was thought to be contagious back then.

When we look at the actions of others around us, what do we see? Do we see what differs from how we would do it, or which of their actions do not meet our judgment test? Or do we see into the heart of the person and try to understand the intent behind the action?

Those who judged Mary here did not take time to understand her heart motives. She likely understood Jesus was going to be sacrificed for all mankind, and she wanted to honor him. She also, likely, wanted to express her abundant gratitude for his work in her life and for raising her brother from the dead.

Mary let her faith be bold and passionate and I absolutely love her spirit in that regard. She did not hold anything back, but gave her best for her Lord and Savior. I should do the same.

Lord, thank you for this beautiful story of a woman who led by action and honored you in an extreme way to suit the extreme sacrifice you made for all of us. She is a lasting model of kindness, love, and friendship. I seek to be like Mary!