DO WE CARRY AN “AROMA” THAT REPRESENTS JESUS?

Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, ran out to meet Jesus!

“He’s here, He’s here!”

Jesus was on His way to the house of Lazarus. Because of the threats against Him he arrived quietly, not wanting to bring much attention at the time.  

Mary jumped, clapped, and sang as she ran in front of Jesus and announced His arrival to the others waiting at the house. (My thoughts)

When Jesus found a seat Mary was immediately at His feet. She wanted to hear every word Jesus spoke.

Here was the man who had risen her brother from the dead! Mary was oblivious to anything else going on around her. She needed to be close to Him.

Several people in the room of about fifteen, probably did an eye roll. Judas Iscariot was one of them.

What is she doing here, why isn’t she helping Martha prepare the food? 

Maybe God spoke to Mary – “Go get your expensive perfume. The perfume you have saved and sacrificed for.  Pour it on His feet. Make sure you saturate his feet and legs with this sweet aroma., because He will need it.”

And, can’t you just imagine Mary as she jumps up,  “Oh yes, God! I have the perfect perfumed ointment.”

John 12:3 “Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.“

But, no need to imagine that because we know she did. She anointed His feet with the expensive perfume, and she used her hair like a gentle rag.

On Sunday, March 24th, Pastor Bryant Madren, presented us with an amazing view of the beauty of this scripture. Take a few minutes and listen to his emotional look at how Mary gave Jesus a sweet aroma for His upcoming journey.  https://fb.watch/r0kW494sym/

And, maybe, she didn’t wash her hair. The sweet aroma penetrated every strand of her long hair.

Her desire to keep the aroma that reminded her of Jesus close to her was a reality. As the week went on she needed it for strength when she witnessed the betrayal of her King.

She carried the “aroma of Jesus” with her where she walked, served, and worshiped.  Mary didn’t flinch when Judas Iscariot challenged Jesus with the question of her wasting money that could have possibly been given to the poor.

She stood strong, she believed, she gave, she sacrificed, she was committed, and she worshiped!

If I was going to carry the aroma of Christ with me I would need to examine five areas that Mary exhibited.

1.   My conviction – I must follow through with my decision as a believer.
2.   My generosity – Not only give my finances, but my time.
3.   My sacrifices – Be separate and apart from what the world offers.
4.   My commitment – Be accountable to Christ.
5.   My worship – Sing to the Lord. Give Him praises in every situation.

When we examine these areas in our lives we must remember that others may not understand WHY we do some of the things we do. But, that’s ok. Accept the realization that we will not be understood and we will be challenged.

Pastor Madren eludes to the possibility of Jesus being soothed with the aroma during His time on the cross. What a beautiful thought, God sending a slight breeze that brushes up against his feet and carries the slight whiff of peace.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your Word and the beauty of how every word is breathed  by You for us to read and follow. In Jesus name. Amen