At the Feet of the King

Follow or Framed?

Galatians 5:25–26 ESV

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Are we following the Spirit or have we framed the Spirit of God to something that only we can approve?

Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet

Mt 26:6–13, Mk 14:3–9, Jn 12:1–8

John 12:1–8 ESV

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 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. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 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. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Characters

Jesus, Simon the Leper, 12 Disciples, Mary, Martha, Lazarus

Setting

Simon the Leper’s House

Martha is serving (without complaint)

Lazarus is reclining with Jesus

Mary is still at Jesus’ feet

Remember Luke 12 when Martha was running around and anxious doing work and Jesus applauded Mary for knowing what the most important thing in the room was.

The Perfume

The Alabaster Box and Perfume Flask

the box would’ve been set aside for a special occasion, in many cases for a burial

the perfume flask would’ve been something women would wear around their neck

the flask was a tall bottle with a skinny neck that was sealed. It would be used by breaking the neck of the flask open

spices and ointments in that day were used as trade or investment deals in that day - they were small and could be easily sold

Mark 2. What the Woman Did: Jesus Is Anointed with Perfume (3)

i. “Early in the first century Pliny the Elder remarked that ‘the best ointment is preserved in alabaster.’ The value of the perfume, and its identification as nard, suggests that it was a family heirloom that was passed on from one generation to another, from mother to daughter.” (Lane)

one pound of very costly nard

several of the disciples, mainly Judas, point out that this this was a waste of resource

Judas goes as far to point out this perfume was worth 1 year’s wages

Sometimes people will tell you that you care too much.

Don't take the advice of someone that didn't give you your assignment.

They don't know your value or the value of the mission you are carrying out!

The Action

she broke open the flask and poured the perfume on his head (Matthew & Mark’s account) and feet (John’s account)

she let down her hair in public

in Jewish culture this was something that a woman would rarely (if ever) do

Don’t expect the world’s frame to fit the action motivated by the Spirit

she kissed his feet

The Critics

she had no regard for anyone in the room except, Jesus

many speak up and declare this act as a “waste”

Mark 3. The Reaction to What the Woman Did (4–9)

iii. “It is interesting that the word translated ‘waste’ in Mark 14:4 is translated ‘perdition’ in John 17:12 and applied to Judas! Judas criticized Mary for ‘wasting money,’ but he wasted his entire life!” (Wiersbe)

Jesus Responds

Mark 14:6–9 ESV

6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Mary had been sitting at Jesus’ feet and understood that Jesus had to die and was going to die

By breaking the alabaster flask over Him, she was preparing him for burial!

“…she has done a beautiful thing to me...”

“…she has done what she could do...”

“…she has anointed my body beforehand for burial...”

Mark 3. The Reaction to What the Woman Did (4–9)

iii. “It is interesting that the word translated ‘waste’ in Mark 14:4 is translated ‘perdition’ in John 17:12 and applied to Judas! Judas criticized Mary for ‘wasting money,’ but he wasted his entire life!” (Wiersbe)

The Faith to Follow, not Frame

Galatians 5:25–26 ESV

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.