Fragrance of Jesus
- Laurie Williams
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
"Then Mary took a pound of very expensive perfume of pure nard, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume" (John 12:3, Amp).
The scene in John chapter 12 verses 1-3, Jesus went back to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. They had prepared a meal for Jesus in which Lazarus is seen reclining at the table with Jesus and his sister, Martha, serving. We can then take notice that his other sister, Mary, was anointing Jesus's feet with a very rare, pure, and expensive perfume. (Research indicates that this particular perfume from the nard/Spikenard plant is also known as Nardostachys jatamans is grown in the Himalayas of Tibet and in the northern regions of India and Nepal). This perfume is derived from the root of this flowering plant and has a "woody, sweet" aroma that is actually an essential oil. The significance of this event is that it is one of two times the feet of Jesus have been anointed, (see also Luke 7:37-38). The cost of this perfume/essential oil was a year's wages for an ordinary workman. Verse 3 says that the entire house was filled with the fragrance of this perfume. Let us also note that there were other guests in attendance for this meal. These people were now going away from any prior teachings and traditions to believe in Jesus, following Him as their Savior and Messiah because of what He had done in the life of Lazarus! (John 12:11)
Can you just imagine this scene? The sight of Jesus sitting at the table with Lazarus, Martha serving Jesus and the other guests, Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus anointing them with this sweet smelling oil. Oh, the conversation that must have taken place, the wonder and awe of Jesus reclining at their table. As you picture this monumental dinner party, you can see Jesus coming back to visit Lazarus (He also comes to visit us after raising us from spiritual death to recline at our tables too). See Martha serving Jesus with awe and respect for she remembers all He has done. (Do we serve Jesus with that same reverence after He raised us from our spiritual death)? Look a little closer to see Mary sitting at Jesus' feet anointing them with something so sweet and valuable. (Do we stop and sit with Jesus to anoint His feet with all that is precious to us)? And the last question, are our homes filled with the 'fragrance of Jesus'?
May we truly think about and fully comprehend what we are filled with. In Christ, as believers, we are filled with 'the fullness of God' (Ephesians 3:19), which includes His divine presence, righteousness, and love. Being united with Him makes us complete (Colossians 2:10), filling us with the Holy Spirit, fruits of righteousness, joy, peace, and spiritual wisdom. Be filled with all that God has prepared for you as His child today, and may you and your home be filled with the sweet 'fragrance of Jesus'. May others be influenced by the sweet aroma of Jesus in our lives.
Father, God, we praise You! Thank You that through Christ You saved us from spiritual death. Thank You, Jesus, that You recline at our tables to remind us of your presence. May we sit with You, Serve You, and anoint You so our lives will be filled with Your fragrance and be a sweet aroma for others to accept You as their Savior. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen.
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