Holy WeekSample

Today’s Holy Week passage give us an account of what true, unhindered worship looks like. In Middle Eastern homes during Jesus’s life, meals were typically eaten on low tables and guests sat on the floor. While Jesus, the Son of God, could be in the homes of kings and queens, He chooses to lounge in the homes of outcasts. Simon was a Leper, a social reject because of his illness. Earlier in the Gospel accounts, Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). This passage is a perfect example of how Christ lives this out; He draws near to us in our sin. Not only does Christ love us in His preaching, teaching, and instruction, but also in fellowship.

While the passage from Mark does not name the woman with the nard, John’s account of the story identifies her as Mary, sister of Lazarus and Martha. As readers in the 21st century, it is easy to detach ourselves from the time period of the story, but the kind of love Mary embodies is timeless. Pure nard was extremely expensive (costing a year’s wages) and was often passed down in a family as an heirloom. Mary’s use of this luxury was reckless, or at least the disciples thought so. Nard came in a sealed jar, and the bottle had to be broken in order to be used. It was an “all in” type of item. This reflects our walk with Jesus. Just as Mary gives everything she has to Jesus, so too are we, as Christians, to let our whole lives be guided by a strong desire to love God more.

The disciples respond harshly to Mary’s loving act, but Jesus defends her. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the first and greatest commandment, and Mary does just that. Unlike the disciples, Mary understood that her resources weren’t meant for her but for her God. Our time, money, and relationships are all parts of our lives that we can use to either serve God or ourselves. Let’s answer these questions to further our understanding of how to live more like Mary, with a rich love for Jesus.

1. Is there anyone in your life that you think loves Jesus like Mary? How can you encourage them today?
2. Do you make time to “recline” with Jesus? How can you intentionally rest with the Lord this week?
3. What in your life do you need to shift your perspective on in light of Jesus?

Did You Know?

When the text refers to a year’s wages, it actually comes out to around 300 days worth of work because they didn’t count Sabbaths and feast days!