Unreasonable

When we read about Mary’s extravagant act of anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, we see a devotion that is raw, vulnerable, and unconcerned with appearances. Mary's worship came from a place of overwhelming gratitude, and she worshipped with all that she had without counting the cost, even as the disciples around her measured value differently. In defending Mary, Jesus reminds us that true worship means recognizing His presence and responding with our whole selves, rather than limiting ourselves within expectations or obligations. For God’s love for us is the epitome of unreasonable — poured out without reserve — and we are invited to respond in kind.

Scripture:

John 12:1-8

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

12 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’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] 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.

4 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.[b]” 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.

7 “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,[c] but you will not always have me.”