Fragrance

*** Photo: Bagpipes, “I’ve been putting in septic tanks for 25 years and I’ve never seen anything like this.”

An unusual scene

Judas gets attention

12.1-2 Setting

12.3 Mary anoints Jesus’s feet

12.4-6 Judas objects

12.7-8 Jesus’s response

Things we learn about Judas

Judas is about to betray Jesus

Judas judges another’s generosity

Judas has a serious character flaw

Lazarus, Mary, and Martha

Luke 10:38–42 NRSV

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

John’s description

John 12:1–3 NRSV

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

We mustn’t diminish Martha’s work—without people like Martha, not much gets done

We mustn’t diminish Mary’s love—people like Mary show us what devotion to Jesus looks like

“The home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.”

“Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.”

John 12:8 NRSV

You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

Deuteronomy 15:11 NRSV

Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”

*** Photo: Generosity

Once in a lifetime extravagance

“The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

I did it because I love Jesus