Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comThrough the Bible Day by Day - John 12:1 - 12:1
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Love’s Fragrant Gift
Joh 12:1-11
Martha’s service reminds us of Luk 10:41. The earlier Gospels (Mat 26:1-75; Mar 14:1-72) do not mention Mary’s name, probably because the whole family might have suffered for their intimate identification with Jesus; see Joh 12:10. But when this Gospel was written the beloved trio had been gathered home to God.
There was no value in the spikenard except to refresh and comfort, but this was sufficient to warrant Mary’s act. We must not always be considering the utilitarian side of service. There are hours of holy ecstasy when we are lifted out of ourselves, in the expression of our love to Jesus, in ways that to cold and calculating onlookers seem mere extravagance. In her absorption in Him whom she loved, Mary has incited myriads to similar acts. But her love stirred up the evil in the heart of Judas, as summer’s lovely sunshine extracts poison from stagnant ponds. Our Advocate will screen us from our dread accuser. He interpreted Mary’s motive. She knew that her Lord would be crucified, and as she thought that there would be no opportunity for love to perform the last offices, she beforehand anointed Him for the burial.