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What kind of fragrance do we leave when we express our worship and praise? What kind of atmosphere do we contribute to the fellowship around us as we sing and praise and worship and participate?

Mary has just anointed Jesus Christ with a most precious ointment, and we read of this in John’s Gospel at Chapter 12. This fragrance would be clinging to Christ for the remainder of his earthly life.

Mary was aware of what was about to happen soon, and she takes this opportunity. Sometimes certain opportunities only come once. Had she waited until Jesus dies she could never have ministered in this beautiful manner.

When Jesus gives you the opportunity to express your love to him in some way, take it. It may never arise again, and be prepared to risk appearing silly. Be prepared to risk going over the top. If you do, I tell you this, Jesus won’t mind. Other people might think you a bit strange or a bit of a fanatic, but Jesus won’t mind if you get it wrong.

Remember that ‘definition’ of a fanatic – it is someone who loves Jesus more than I do!

As soon as Mary expresses her worship and devotion and gratitude in this sensitive and lavish and appreciative way, we see a rather horrible thing, and this too we must expect and be prepared for when we anoint the risen Christ with our songs and praises and gifts, which come from our hearts.

Judas criticised her. Judas is so calculating and greedy and covetous and yet, he sounds so sensible and humanitarian and concerned and generous. He sounds so plausible. He has calculated how much it was worth in cash.

But, poor Judas – he could only calculate money. You cannot put a value on love, and, to dear Mary, Judas is sarcastic and sullen and so grudging.

Judas was not all that concerned about the poor. He was actually a thief, and in this dreadful spiritual condition Judas wanted to make financial decisions for those who loved Jesus.

Those who handle the moneys which the Lord’s people give take upon themselves a most responsible task.

Judas, in his heart, was about to cash in on Jesus Christ’s death.

Unconverted people cannot understand the hours, and pounds, that the people of God give to him as an expression of their love and praise and gratitude. These gatherings here and the various other services we each perform elsewhere baffle people.

Judas was a deceiver. It was all words, but, you cannot deceive Jesus. Jesus gives Judas a row. Mary had done a lovely thing.

Jesus so appreciated Mary’s tender meaningful and sacrificial ministry, and we are taught that the poor will always be among us. Make poverty history is not very biblical – at least not until Jesus returns.

In Israel, the High Priest was anointed as he set out to perform his ministry. Do you see what Mary was saying? Maybe she did not fully realise the significance of her action on this occasion. We seldom do!

The king was enthroned after being anointed. Mary was preparing Jesus Christ the King for his enthronement.

The sacrificial lamb was anointed with oil before being offered. John certainly realised what Mary was doing.

This whole act is prophetic.

The fragrance also spoke about Jesus the High priest who was about to fulfil his Holy Office. The lamb was being prepared to be slain, and then enthroned in power and glory.

May our praise and worship be significant and fragrant as we express gratitude to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, and enthroned King.

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - February 10-14