John 12

The first eleven verses of John 12 tell the story of Mary taking a pint of perfume, pouring it on Jesus’ feet, and wiping his feet with her hair. It is a crazy story.

John states that the perfume itself was worth a year’s wages! In 2011 the median household income in the US was a little over $50,000… That’s a lot of perfume! Those watching, especially Judas, think this is excessive and wonders why the perfume wasn’t sold and the money given to the poor. That sounds like something Jesus would be all about, but no, he enjoys the moment.

First of all, I don’t like people touching my feet, so this would be weird. But I especially wouldn’t want someone spending $50,000 to massage or anoint my feet… I’d rather have a new car, take a trip, buy my wife something or pay off some student loans… Either way, stay away from my feet!

What would cause someone to do something so reckless, something so crazy?

Love is the only answer I can come up with.

Mary must have known that Jesus was not going to be around much longer and she wanted to express her love. There are some things that we only get one chance to do, and if we pass, then the opportunity never returns. It is a tragic thing to come upon an opportunity to show love, and do not do it.

Now that I think about it, I’d pay $50,000 to spend one more day with my grandparents. I’d go fishing with my grandpa in the morning, then we’d all go to Belle Isle for the afternoon and my grandma would tell me the bunny story before bed. That would be worth $50,000, actually that would be worth $500,000. I don’t have $500,000, but I’d spend the rest of my life paying it back.

It would be a reckless decision, but I’d do it.

Love made Jesus make a reckless decision; he gave his life for those he loved.

I will see my grandparents again, and it won’t cost me anything.  

Jesus already paid the price… which is why I am going to spend the rest of my life paying him back.