Mary is a beautiful example of someone whose love and respect for Jesus was bigger than the opinion of others. In the verses above, we see how she anoints Jesus’ feet with an extravagantly costly perfume, which she then proceeds to wipe with her hair. At that moment the house was filled with the pleasant aroma of her act of love.

On the contrary, we see Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, who had been chosen and had the privilege of serving alongside Jesus on a personal level, yet his heart was far from Him. When Judas sees Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with this expensive perfume, he cannot help but think of the waste of money! He tries to defend his negative response by trying to bring the attention to the poor and how the money could have been used in their aid. However, we clearly read that he did not truly care for the poor, but rather sought his own benefit.

We see such a drastic difference in the attitude and condition of the hearts of these two individuals. It is a great reminder for us to examine our own hearts and motives when serving Jesus. Are our actions and love for the Lord only superficial? Or are we in a true place of devotion, serving our God humbly while serving others? Are we committed to following Christ and serving Him regardless of the cost? Or, like Judas, are we selfishly holding back and limiting our God-given potential?

May our lives be so devoted to and immersed in Christ that we are that perfume that will attract others to know Christ personally and may we always reflect the beauty of our Savior in all we say and do.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, may I, like Mary, sit at your feet and worship you with all that I have. Allow my heart to be sincere and genuine in my service to you. May the fragrance of my heart and the way I live lead others to you today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.      John 12:3-6 (CEB).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.