HUMBLE SERVICE

JOHN 12:2–8

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair

(John 12:3).

John 12:1–8 provides one of the most striking contrasts between humble generosity and selfish pride. On the one hand, Mary debases herself in service of her Lord. On the other hand, Judas is more concerned about money than about Jesus’ honor. He cloaks his greed in a plea for the poor, but his true motivation is evident to the One who knows all men’s hearts.

The setting was a meal, probably in celebration of Lazarus’ resurrection. And as dinner was being served, Mary anointed Jesus with an expensive oil. She then did something very dramatic: she untied her hair and dried Jesus’ feet with it (Matt. 26:6–13, Mark 14:3–9). Mary did this at a great risk to her own reputation because it was considered inappropriate for women to wear their hair loose in public, much less use it to dry a man’s feet. Yet, Mary put her own reputation on the line to honor her Lord.

From these actions, we learn of several qualities that mark the humble. First, they are generous. Those who love Christ will give Him the best of what they own. Second, they are self-effacing. Mary anointed Christ with her own hands and then dried Him with her own hair. She did not wait for another to do it, but she gave of herself to honor Him. Third, they are more concerned about glorifying Christ than giving honor to themselves.

We see how Judas possessed none of these traits. He was deceptive, for he pretended to be concerned about the poor to hide his greed. And even if he really had been charitable, his priorities were out of order. His first priority should have been the honor of Christ. But because his eyes were on himself, he did not comprehend the sweet devotion reflected in Mary’s actions. This was evident when he said, “What a waste!” Hendriksen comments, “The selfish person cannot understand the unselfish individual.”

Judas could not comprehend the actions of Mary, and likewise the world will not understand your service to Christ. When unbelievers see all that you give up to serve your Lord, they will only think, “What a waste!” But no matter what the world thinks, Christ Jesus is pleased with the service of His people just as He was pleased with Mary’s humble devotion.

CORAM DEO

Psalm 34–35

Acts 22

Make a list of things that you have done or given up for Christ or for Christian principles that are counter to our culture. As you look at the list, be encouraged that Christ has been glorified, no matter how much the world has ridiculed you. Pray for the courage to keep loving Christ more than man’s opinion.

For further study: Prov. 16:19; 22:4; 29:23 • Luke 14:26–33 • James 4:10

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