Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Your blessing is multiplied through Him…

John 12:1-11 (NIV)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] 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.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 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.

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

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

As we have read before, Jesus knew what was coming. He knew the hearts of all people He came into contact with. He could see who they were. He even knew of Judas and what we to come, yet E loved him anyway and let him stay.

The use of this expensive and fragrant perfume on the feet of Jesus, coupled with the use of her hair tells you that all prophecy would be fulfilled on the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. The washing if the feet was a part of the burial process, and to do this in front of all who had come to see Jesus was part of the witnessing of the miracle that would occur. The salvation of all who believe.

Jesus makes it a point to let us know that riches used to glorify Him is correct. Yes, there are poor that could use the money, but you must celebrate the Father with gifts of value. Those things which we see as possible waste, if given to God, will be multiplied to once again be used to bless the poor and lowly in society. It is our job to give to the Father. We are to celebrate and glorify Him with the gifts that He has blessed us with. There will always be the poor and downcast. The time will come again to bless them.

That time for you may be now. It may be time for you to bless the church or a group that gives to the poor. But, you must give to Him who made us and saved us first. The first fruits are His. When given to Him first, your gifts are multiplied. The thief will see it as waste. The selfish will long for that gift which belongs to the Father. Give anyway. Even when it makes no sense to your eyes, give. He will multiply your gift and it will bless more than you will ever know. He does not want your money. He wants your heart. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK