This week we’re sharing extracts from our new Bible Study, “Reading Through John with The Devoted Collective. Details on how to join us for this study are at the end of today’s Daily Dose. “A Beautiful Thing” was written by Jenna Marie Masters.
Read: John 12:1-19
I grew up in a white-steepled church where people properly loved Jesus. Sandwiched between my mom and dad on Sundays, I’d obediently stand to sing from the Hymnbook. The choir would shuffle into place, and our veteran soloist would throw her voice so high that I imagined it would shatter the disciples out of the stained-glass windows. Don’t get me wrong, she had a beautiful voice, but at nine in the morning it could be a shocker. But it was not as shocking as the first time I saw someone raise her hands during worship.
It started small; one person would open their palms towards the heavens, keeping their hands low, of course. I was slightly embarrassed the first time I noticed others covertly worshipping like this. I felt the pull to join them, maybe even raise my hands above my waist, but I didn’t want to look like a freak!
Even now, at forty-two, I still worry about what others think of me. I find myself bowing to insecurities rather than to Jesus. Yet when I read about Mary of Bethany, I long to surrender more like her; to give with abandon to the One who will never abandon me.
Mary didn’t let others’ opinions stop her from devoting herself to Jesus. It wasn’t appropriate for a Jewish woman to let her hair down in public. It was a sign of intimacy, usually reserved for one’s husband. But here we have Mary loosening her hair, thereby loosening any grip on her reputation, and letting both fall before Jesus. To those who rebuked her, Jesus said, “Leave her alone” (John 12:7).
Mary considered the cost—a reputation without Jesus wasn’t worth fighting for.
Her actions echo the heart of Paul, who wrote, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
In another act of selfless faith, Mary breaks open an alabaster jar filled with expensive oils. This is part of her dowry, ensuring financial security. But Mary looks at Jesus and literally pours her hopes for the future at His feet. And to those who objected, Jesus said, “Why are you bothering her?” (Mark 14:6).
I imagine she once sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking up His words: “Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33). And now the time has come for her to decide what she is willing to give up.
Mary counts up the cost; a future without Jesus isn’t worth saving for.
But she doesn’t stop there. As her sister Martha serves dinner, Mary decides to do a task usually reserved for servants. She soaks her hair in oil and washes Jesus’ feet. And to those who rebuked her, Jesus said, “She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mark 14:6).
Mary again contemplates the cost; a life serving anyone but Jesus isn’t worth standing for.
She has evidently taken to heart what Jesus once said: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me” (John 12:26).
One simple act of unrestrained surrender becomes Mary’s chief identifier in the gospel. She understands that the more you fall in love with the One who is everything, the more compelled you are to give Him everything.
As I grew up in my faith, my hands began to lift higher and higher with it. The more I chose to seek His face, the less time I spent chasing the opinions of others. Mary had a choice whom she would serve, and we do, too. Let’s always choose Jesus. It may inspire or offend those around us, but to those who are affected by our costly devotion, Jesus will say, “Leave them alone, they are doing a beautiful thing to me.”
Journey through the Gospel of John with us! Starting Monday, August 3rd, we’ll walk together in community via a dedicated Facebook group as we rediscover the wonder of Jesus—the living Word who was with God from the beginning.
Using our simple Read, Reflect, Respond method, you’ll engage deeply with Scripture, be encouraged through devotionals, and apply what you learn in a practical way—growing your confidence in the truth of the gospel.
Preorder your print copy of Reading Through John with The Devoted Collective here or grab a digital copy here. Sign up here to be notified when the group opens.
