THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 12:1-8
Key Verse: “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” (John 12:3)
Supporting Texts: Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:37-38; Psalm 141:2; 2 Corinthians 2:15
INTRODUCTION
The anointing at Bethany is one of the most touching acts of devotion recorded in the ministry of Jesus. Six days before the Passover, Jesus visited Bethany, where a supper was prepared in His honour. During the gathering, Mary took a costly ointment of spikenard and anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair.
This act of worship was extraordinary because the perfume was extremely valuable, representing a significant personal sacrifice. While some criticised the act as wasteful, Jesus defended Mary, declaring that she had done something beautiful and meaningful.
Mary’s action demonstrates a heart of deep love, humility, and honour toward Christ. Her sacrifice reminds believers that true worship often involves giving God the best of what they have. The story also teaches that acts of sincere devotion to God may not always be understood by others, but they are precious in the sight of the Lord.
1. TRUE WORSHIP INVOLVES SACRIFICE
Mary’s offering was costly, reflecting the value she placed on Jesus.
a. Giving God Our Best (Malachi 1:8)
God deserves offerings that reflect honour and reverence.
b. Worship That Costs Something (2 Samuel 24:24)
David declared that he would not offer to God that which cost him nothing.
c. Sacrificial Devotion (Romans 12:1)
Believers are called to present their lives as living sacrifices to God.
d. Honour Through Generosity (Proverbs 3:9)
Honouring God includes giving from what one values most.
Biblical Example:
The widow who gave two small coins offered all she had, demonstrating sacrificial giving that pleased God (Mark 12:41-44).
2. TRUE WORSHIP FLOWS FROM LOVE
Mary’s act was motivated by deep love and gratitude toward Jesus.
a. Love Expressed Through Worship (Psalm 18:1)
True worship flows from a heart that loves God.
b. Gratitude for God’s Works (Psalm 103:1-2)
Believers are called to bless the Lord and remember His benefits.
c. Love That Responds to Grace (Luke 7:47)
Those who understand God’s forgiveness often express great love.
d. Devotion That Seeks God’s Presence (Psalm 63:1)
A heart that loves God longs for His presence.
Biblical Example:
The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with tears and perfume expressed deep love because she had experienced God’s forgiveness (Luke 7:37-38).
3. TRUE WORSHIP MAY BE MISUNDERSTOOD BY OTHERS
Mary’s act of devotion was criticised by some who considered it wasteful.
a. Misjudgement by Others (John 12:4-5)
Judas criticised Mary, claiming the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor.
b. Motives Matter to God (1 Samuel 16:7)
While people judge outward actions, God examines the heart.
c. Faithfulness Despite Criticism (Galatians 1:10)
Believers must seek God’s approval rather than human approval.
d. God Defends Genuine Devotion (John 12:7)
Jesus defended Mary’s action and affirmed its significance.
Biblical Example:
David’s wife Michal criticised him for dancing before the Lord, yet David continued to worship wholeheartedly (2 Samuel 6:16-22).
4. TRUE WORSHIP LEAVES A LASTING IMPACT
Mary’s act filled the house with the fragrance of the ointment, symbolising the lasting impact of sincere devotion.
a. A Fragrance of Worship (2 Corinthians 2:15)
Believers become the fragrance of Christ wherever they go.
b. Worship That Reaches Heaven (Psalm 141:2)
Prayer and worship rise before God like incense.
c. Acts That Honour Christ Are Remembered (Mark 14:9)
Jesus said that Mary’s act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
d. A Life That Reflects God’s Glory (Matthew 5:16)
Believers’ actions should glorify God and inspire others.
Biblical Example:
Cornelius’ prayers and generosity rose as a memorial before God, showing that sincere devotion is remembered by the Lord (Acts 10:1-4).
CONCLUSION
The anointing at Bethany reveals the beauty of wholehearted devotion to Christ. Mary’s act of sacrificial worship demonstrated love, humility, and honour toward the Lord. Although others criticised her actions, Jesus recognised the sincerity of her heart and affirmed the value of her offering.
Believers today are called to worship God with the same spirit of devotion. True worship involves giving God the best, loving Him deeply, remaining faithful despite criticism, and living a life that reflects His glory.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to worship You with sincerity and devotion, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, give me a heart that values Your presence above everything else, in Jesus name.
3. Father, teach me to offer my best in service and worship to You, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, remove every attitude that hinders true worship in my life, in Jesus name.
5. Father, fill my life with the fragrance of sincere devotion to Christ, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, help me to remain faithful in worship even when others do not understand, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let my life reflect gratitude for all You have done for me, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, use my worship and service to bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.
9. Father, deepen my love and commitment to You daily, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life become a testimony of wholehearted devotion to Christ, in Jesus name.
