Written by: David Garcia

“Six days before the Passover celebration, Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus, the man he has raised from the dead. (V2) A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate*(reclined) with him. (V3) Then Mary took a twelve ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.”
- John 12:1-3 NLT

**References for today can be found in: Isaiah 11, Isaiah 53:1-12, Isaiah 61:1, Song of Solomon 1:12; 4:13-14, Romans 15:12, John 11:25

In this account, Jesus is anointed by Mary as an act of love and devotion. This was seen as foolish and wasteful to some, but taken with honor and gratitude by Jesus. Jesus seizes the opportunity to confront the judgement and displeasure in the room in order to give insight to a greater significance. To Jesus, Mary’s extravagant display of generosity was “preparation for his death and burial”. The events leading to his death were only days away, and the anticipation was beginning to build…

As we reflect on this beautiful moment during “Holy Wednesday”,
Let us praise God with thanksgiving  as we draw out each details importance.

Why Bethany?
Some translations of the name “Bethany” refer to it as the “House of figs”, simply because figs were known to grow here. However, I find the second translation more interesting and noteworthy. Bethany is also referred to as the “House of Misery” It was believed that those with contagious diseases and under immense calamity were sent here.
Can you imagine what this implies?

A house is a permanent living fixture and misery denotes great suffering of either the body or mind. If we put these definitions together, it could be said like this: Those suffering with a painful circumstance with no hope of relief in sight.

*Isaiah 53 depicts the messiah as the “Suffering Servant”. The one who will endure incredible affliction in order to redeem people. Jesus is the suffering servant who will literally enter the house of misery in order to serve and save all people from their sin and judgment. His house of misery was only a few days away…

He sweat great drops of blood from being under such duress and mental anguish.

We can be thankful because He endured brutal punishment and great misery, so that we could be free. He walked into the house of misery so that we could have joy. Even if you are currently walking through “a house of misery” moment, He is walking through it with you!

Why Lazarus?
Do you remember Jesus’ words to Martha when Lazarus was dead? “I am the resurrection and the Life…”

*Jesus makes the way clear to receive eternal life. All Those who place their faith in him will live, even if they die. Lazarus name means “God has helped”. God himself has helped us by giving new hopeful reality when it comes to death and loss. Death is not a hopeless outcome for those in Christ. As final as death may be, the painful sting of death has been removed. Hopelessness no longer accompanies death for those who trust in Jesus.

We can be thankful because Jesus defeated deaths power over us. We no longer need to fear death! Even when we draw our last breath on earth, we will draw our first breath in eternity with our God! “Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?” Our God lives and so will we!

Why the anointing with spikenard?
Spikenard is an aromatic oil of high value and significance. When given as a gift or used, would be the equivalent of being given pure gold or diamonds, implying tremendous worth to the person bestowed. The oil is harvested from the root of the plant.

*Jesus being anointed revealed more than what Mary and her family realized! In scripture, Kings, Priests, and prophets were anointed signifying that Gods presence was upon and with them; Jesus is all 3 of these powerful roles.

Spikenard is harvested from root of the plant. If the anointing oil comes from the root, then the anointed messiah must also come from the root…the root of Jesse! Christ is the root or branch coming from the kingly dynasty of David. Mary was anointing the promised king.

Spikenard has a pungent aroma that lingers as it soaks into the skin and hair. Even as he was being tortured, and the smells of death were evident, Jesus would’ve smelled the fragrance of nard reminding him the purpose of his suffering. “It pleased God to bruise his son”, and his life laid down would be a fragrance that ascended unto God, satisfying his wrath.

We can be thankful because His death would bring us life. His death makes us right with God. He willingly endured these torments so that he could purchase us from being separated from his presence because of sin. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and has anointed me to preach good news” This message of a savior is a fragrant smell of life and forgiveness found in Christ, while also being an odorous stench of denial, judgment, and rebellion to those who will reject it.

Jesus, you alone are deserving of all glory, love, loyalty, and honor.