Extravagant Love

"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. 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 12:1-3

Since it is Holy Week, I thought we would focus on Jesus' journey to the cross, by taking a look at the daily lectionary readings.  Here we find Jesus in one of his favorite places, with his friends.  He's reclining at the table with Lazarus (who has just been raised from the dead).  We find Martha putting her gifts of hospitality to good use.  That's when Mary not only anoints Jesus' feet, but wipes them with her hair, filling the room with the earthy smell of nard.  

Last year I read an article about this passage that has stuck with me ever since.  It talked about how Mary's extravagant gesture of love may have been what gave Jesus the courage to face his future.  After his time in Bethany, Jesus headed into Jerusalem and faced betrayal, trial, and crucifixion.  I wonder throughout all of it if he remembered the love he felt in this moment from Mary.  It may have been this love that carried him with strength into his future.  

I got to spend some time with a few of our church kiddos today on Zoom.  They're such characters and so much fun.  They are taking this all in stride, but are definitely aware of what is happening in our world right now.  I wonder what it means to love our children into their futures, especially in the midst of this social isolation.  How can we love our young people so extravagantly that they feel safe and confident to be who they are, even in the midst of fear?

Have there been people in your life that have loved you into your future?  Persons who may have seen something in you that you had not recognized?  People who have encouraged you, stood by you, and embraced you when things were difficult?  Maybe even persons who's strength you have relied on when you were facing uncertainty? 

These are the kind of people we all need, and perhaps this moment with Mary was one of the most intimate glimpses we get into Jesus' humanity.  I wonder if he thought about this as he knelt down to wash the disciples feet later in the week?  If he recognized the same loving face at his feet as he was crucified?  

Is there someone in your life that you can encourage in this way?  Are you needing some extravagant love?  That is what this Holy Week is all about, encountering the life-changing, extravagant love of Christ.  

One of my favorite old school Casting Crowns songs is called Your Love is Extravagant. You can listen to it here:   Your Love is Extravagant.  It's such a beautiful reminder.

Have a good night, everyone.

Pastor Devon