Scandalous

John 12:1-8

Jesus was attending a dinner given in his honour at Bethany. Here, he will see his beloved friend Lazarus, who he raised from the dead. We know that there are other people at this dinner. Lazarus himself is reclining at the table with Jesus, as is Judas, Simon, other disciples, religious leaders and other very interested parties. People who were keen on killing Lazarus. They could not stomach the tales of this man being risen from the dead and emerging from his tomb, throwing off his grave clothes. People also keen on assassinating Jesus. They could not tolerate this man who, it was told, could raise people from the dead.

Martha is serving. Mary on the other hand does the unthinkable. A most iniquitous act. She presents herself at this prestigious table and proceeds to do something that no-one has done before.

She carries in her hand a jar. It contains nard, an oil that was scandalously expensive as it is not sourced from that region. She proceeds to be even more outrageous. She breaks this jar of precious oil and spreads it over the Lord’s head and feet. The room is filled with the strong musky odour. It smells familiar. Earthy. Woodsy. Pleasant.

A shift in the air tingles with the scent of disbelief. A jar such as this is worth a year’s salary. Such shameful behaviour. Money that could have been better spent. Mary’s action makes no sense. She cements her scandalous behaviour. She unbinds her hair and wipes His feet with her hair. It is unheard of and improper for a woman to unbind her hair in public, even more disgraceful to do it in the presence of prominent people.

Mary has abandoned her dignity at the feet of Jesus. Her act is extravagant, filled with gratitude. How can she be anything but grateful? Jesus raised her brother from the dead!!

Jesus in turn breaks tradition and defends a woman publicly, defends her actions and her devotion to him. He boldly announces, “She has done what she could”, implying that she may not have been in the position to afford this perfume, or do anything else that would contribute to his ministry, but she did what she could.

What would your behaviour be like if someone you thought was dead, was suddenly brought back to life? What would your response be to the person who made it happen?

The reality is that is who we were. People heading for eternal death until Jesus, not too long after this very same dinner, died on the cross for us, to give us eternal life.

Can we be extravagant like Mary to show everyone around us exactly who Jesus is in our lives and the role He plays? What will we abandon for our faith and for the name of Jesus? Are we prepared to be scoffed at? Scorned for ‘fanatical’ behaviour? Laughed at for avoiding a certain lifestyle? Disliked because we speak the truth of the gospel? Avoided because we quote the scripture? Despised because we pray?

When our hearts and souls finally recognise the identity, power and authority of Jesus, when we collide with His grace, what will our reaction be? Can we lose all inhibition and worship at His feet like Mary did? Will adoration and honour be our response? Can we scandalous in our praise and exultation of the Lord?

If you take anything away from Mary’s story, perhaps it will be this:

• Resolve to fervently follow the One who died to give you eternal life.

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• Resolve to be scandalous in your worship and adoration of the King.

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• Resolve to do what you can for the Lord.

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• Resolve to leave your dignity at the feet of Jesus and abandon yourself to His mercy and grace.