GOOD DEEDS ARE OBVIOUS, AND EVEN THOSE THAT ARE NOT CANNOT BE HIDDEN- 5 - MARY

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at 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. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. " He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it."Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. (John 12:1-7)(NIV)

Mary here was expressing her heartfelt gratitude to Jesus for the astounding miracle that Jesus had done for her family. He had raised Lazarus (Mary's brother) from the dead and the dinner given was to honor Jesus. The perfume was expensive and she considered it a great privilege to anoint her master's feet with it. Her devotion and love for her teacher were profoundly expressed without many words being said. Yet there was someone who didn't understand or didn't want to understand the importance of the act. Judas condemned, but Jesus acknowledged his approval for what Mary had done.
Others may look down upon or condemn our actions or deeds that arise from pure devotion to our Savior Jesus, but we must nevertheless continue doing it, if we are sure that it is according to the Word and that it will please our Savior.

MORAL: TRUE DEVOTION TO GOD EXPRESSES ITSELF IN FRAGRANT DEEDS