John 12:1-11


"Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 'Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?' He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, 'Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.' When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus." (John 12:1-11 ESV)


A Devotion of Love

In this passage, we witness a profound act of worship by Mary as she anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and wipes them with her hair. Mary's act is a powerful display of her devotion and love for Jesus. She recognizes His worth and responds with an extravagant offering, knowing that no price is too high to honor her Lord. Her act foreshadows Jesus’ impending death and burial, as He alludes to when He says, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial” (v. 7).

This kind of extravagant love exemplifies what it means to follow Jesus with one’s whole heart. True discipleship involves sacrificial devotion, where nothing is too precious to give to Christ. Mary's act also shows that love for Jesus is personal and costly. She is willing to face criticism and misunderstanding (from Judas) for the sake of expressing her love for her Savior.

Scriptures to Study:

Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:37-38, Philippians 3:7-8, 1 John 4:19


The Heart Behind the Gift

In contrast to Mary’s sincere act of love, we see Judas criticizing her actions, not out of concern for the poor, but out of selfishness and greed. Judas’ heart was focused on material gain, and he viewed Mary’s offering as wasteful. His attitude reflects a common temptation in discipleship: valuing possessions or status more than the worth of Christ. Judas’ reaction highlights the importance of the heart behind our actions. True worship comes from a heart that values Christ above all else, while false devotion can be rooted in selfish motives.

Jesus defends Mary’s action, not because He is dismissive of the poor, but because He knows the significance of the moment—His time on earth is limited. Mary’s anointing is an expression of deep understanding and timing, showing that she discerns the weight of what is about to happen. Discipleship often involves recognizing the moments when we are called to pour out our love for Jesus in a way that might seem excessive to the world, but that honors His worth.

Scriptures to Study:

1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:34, James 4:3


Lazarus: A Living Testimony

Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, was also present at the dinner, and his presence attracted many people. Lazarus was a living testimony to Jesus’ power over death. Because of his resurrection, many Jews were turning to faith in Christ. However, this also provoked the hostility of the religious leaders, who now sought to kill not only Jesus but Lazarus as well.

Lazarus' testimony reminds us of the power of a transformed life. When we experience Jesus’ saving power, our lives become a witness to others, drawing them toward faith. But, as in Lazarus' case, living for Christ may also provoke opposition. Discipleship involves both the joy of new life in Christ and the challenge of standing firm in the face of resistance. Jesus’ victory over death in Lazarus points to the greater victory that He would accomplish through His own death and resurrection.

Scriptures to Study:

John 11:43-44, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4-5, 1 Peter 2:11-12


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions