When Love Serves

“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)

Mary was a prostitute who experienced the love of Jesus. When she became His follower, her life radically changed. As a result of her gratitude, she went to the home where He was feasting.

There, in front of everyone, Mary began pouring out expensive perfume on Jesus and washing his feet with her own tears.

While she was in the middle of worshipping Jesus, others at the table began complaining. They wanted to know why Mary hadn’t sold the perfume and used the money to feed the poor.

Sometimes, when another Christ-follower is ministering, we can be tempted to complain, too. We might say, “Yes, she helps out with the kids’ ministry but did you see how short her skirt was?” or “Who does he think is, telling people about God’s love with a past like that?”

It’s tempting to criticize others when they don’t love the way we think they should or they don’t work in the same ministry. But the story of Mary proves that Jesus sees beyond all of that to the heart underneath. For he said, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” (Matthew 26:10).

God, thank You for those who build the kingdom! Let me be supportive when I see others serving You in a way that’s different or unexpected. In Jesus’ name, Amen.