Dear Family and Friends,

While reading through the Gospel, have you ever noticed how many chapters are devoted to the last weeks of Jesus’ life?

Have you ever felt that the first three years of Jesus’ ministry seem to fly by, wondering if the authors somehow skipped over months of Jesus’ life? Have you ever yearned for additional accounts of Jesus’ teachings hoping to find more gems of wisdom?

And have you noticed that the story, His story, almost suddenly comes to a crawl as we near the final weeks, as months turn into days and days turn into hours?

Those who know me well know that counting stuff is my thing, so here goes – of the 89 chapters of the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, 34 are dedicated to the last days of Jesus.

While it may seem disproportionate, it really is not. The authors are simply giving weight to what they consider the most important weeks of Jesus’ life.

That said, let’s spend these last few weeks before Easter in the scriptures that chronicle the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

This week we’ll look at a story we have all read and heard many times.

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint 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.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 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. John 12:1-6 NIV

As we all know, the story ended with a surprising twist. Jesus sided with Mary and defended her actions saying she really understood what was to come; He justified her actions and commended her heart. 

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John 12:7-8 NIV

Given our familiarity with this story, I thought we would spend our time getting to better know Mary and Judas and how they differ.

On one hand we see Mary honoring the Lord Jesus with a perfume called spikenard, used by the religious leaders as an incense offering in God’s temple.

This perfume was not only expensive (imported from the area known today as the Himalayas), it was extravagant – the perfume of kings. 

“While the king was on his couch, my nard gave forth its fragrance.” Song of Solomon 1:12 ESV

In contrast, we see a Judas who speaks of his concern for the poor and the funds of the ministry.

But John warns that his heart was actually very different from Mary’s. The contrast between the two could not have been greater. 

For while Judas was greedy, Mary was generous.

While Judas was aloof and condescending, Mary was honoring.

While Judas’ words were arrogant, Mary’s actions were humble.

While Judas’ motives were self-centered, Mary’s were selfless, caring more about Jesus than herself.

A friend recently asked a question that we have all had as we walked with Jesus – what are we to strive for as disciples?

This story of contrasts helps answer that question.

When we began our journey with Jesus, many of us started off as a Judas. Maybe we weren’t exactly like Judas, but let’s be honest with ourselves.

The goal of our journey with Jesus is to be a Mary.

Take note that although Judas was not the only disciple present at this dinner, Mary stood out as the knowing caring one.

Take note that Mary felt no shame in using her hair to wipe His feet, not caring what others thought of her. All she cared for and about was Jesus. 

Take note that it was by her actions that Mary expressed her love for Jesus. Mary gave her all to Jesus out of love. She went well beyond what many Christians who say they love Jesus actually do.

The intimacy of Mary’s relationship with Jesus is what we should be striving for.

Caring only about what Jesus thinks of us is what we should be striving for.

Expressing our love for Jesus through our actions is what we should be striving for. 

I can already hear the guys objecting – why do we have to be called Mary?

To those I say: to be generous, honoring, humble and selfless is not effeminate. So get over it! (I’m half joking)

In love always,