Oil and Nard

Because Jesus has given all of Himself for us, we can give all of ourselves for Him. Six days before the Passover, the day of Jesus’ Crucifixion, Mary of Bethany pours out her most prized possession, an expensive nard, out on the Lord’s feet. This generous act of worship causes the entire house to be filled with the fragrance of the oil. At 300 denarii, the nard would have cost a year’s wages. Judas Iscariot (who later would betray Jesus) remarked that this gift was a waste to have used in this way. But Mary deems Jesus a worthy recipient of this costly gift. She so exalts Jesus that for her this oil seems only worthy to touch His blessed feet. Every drop of the oil flows freely from her hands to prepare the Lord for His burial. What some would have considered precious she uses for the sake of Whom she valued above all things.

Mary’s lavish gift is extreme. Only after we compare what Christ will give for Mary’s sake does her gift make sense. For the Lord knew that He would not only leave behind His Heavenly throne to draw near to us, but also give His life to save us. Why shouldn’t He Who would give His life be given all that is precious and dear? Our lives into eternity are that precious to Jesus. And like Mary’s bottle of expensive oil, our lives are best used when they are poured out upon the One Who has earned for us Salvation. All that we can give to Christ could never compare to what He has already done for us. But like a beautiful fragrance that fills the room, giving ourselves to the Lord wholeheartedly is pleasing to Him. How much of your heart, soul, mind, and strength have you given to Jesus, the Redeemer of your soul?