April 22
A Heart Filled with Gratitude

John 12:1-8

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, His fame and notoriety continued to spread through the region. What had once been a localized sensation was now becoming a national phenomenon. Many, seeing the power of God raise Lazarus from the dead, place their faith in Jesus.

Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him. John 11:45 NIV
The rising power and influence of Jesus becomes a source of true distress for the religious leaders as they sense their power and influence slipping away. Realizing that with the raising of Lazarus there would be no stopping the crowds turning to Jesus, these leaders decide the time had come to arrest and execute Jesus.
So from that day on they plotted to take His life. John 11:53 NIV
For this reason, Jesus withdraws from Jerusalem and the region of Judah after the raising of Lazarus.
Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead He withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where He stayed with his disciples. John 11:54 NIV

Keeping in mind that the gospel of John was written approximately 60 years after the death of Jesus, we can see from the structure of the book that John viewed the events of the last week of Jesus’ life as paramount to the understanding of the life, ministry, and sacrifice of Jesus. The entire second half of his gospel (chapters 12-21) are dedicated to the recounting of the events of what we call Holy Week.

After retreating into the wilderness for a time, Jesus returns to Bethany six days before the celebration of the Passover to spend time with Lazarus and his sisters. To no one’s surprise, the family hosts a meal in Jesus’ honor.

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. John 12:1-2 NIV
Considering that Jesus restored this family through the raising of Lazarus, gratitude seems an appropriate response for this visit from Jesus. Mary comes in with a pint of perfume worth more than a year’s wages, with which she anoints Jesus.
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; 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 NIV

This is an extravagant gift given to Jesus. Imagine pouring out more than a year’s wages in gratitude to a person, a gift worth tens of thousands of dollars. That’s how a heart responds that has been transformed by the healing power of Jesus. It is also significant that this gift was given in public for all to see. Mary could have waited for a more private moment to share with Jesus but instead “filled the whole house” with her offering.

Of course, not everyone will understand, especially those who have not surrendered their hearts to the love of Christ. Judas weighs in…

But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” John 12:4-5 NIV
Some have wondered if this perfume was left over from the preparation of the body of Lazarus for his burial. With this offering, Jesus sees Mary preparing Him for His burial, as the day of His arrest and crucifixion nears.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John 12:7-8 NIV

In response to the gift given to her, Mary gave all she had to celebrate this moment with Jesus. Seizing the moment, in humility Mary laid her heart out before her Savior.

Consider today what miracles God has worked in your life for which your heart is filled with thankfulness. Take a few moments to make a gratitude list and read through this list in prayer, thanking God for each miracle. Ask God to reveal to you ways that you can express your gratitude for other to see in order to bring glory and honor to His name!

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