Pint of Perfume – Easter Mini Devotional

“Six days before the Passover…” Mary took a pint of perfume and poured it on Jesus’ feet, the house filled with the fragrance, (much to Judas’ dislike).   This was one day prior to Jesus’ triumphal entry (John 12)

The narrative describes the triumphal entry, “The next day…” it is safe to say, Jesus still smelled quite fragrant from the oil.  This being of Jewish telling, in Jewish culture, whilst Jewish people stood on the street as Jesus passed by, they (potentially) smelling the fragrance, resonated the Kingly procession, as they shouted: “Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the King of Israel.

Anointing was a priestly and kingly custom: “He (Moses) poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.” (Leviticus 8:12)  “Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head…” (1 Samuel 10:1) “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him (David) in the presence of his brothers…” (1 Samuel 16:13)   “… they acknowledged Solomon son of David…anointing him before the LORD to be ruler…” (1 Chronicles 29:22) See also David’s words in Psalm 133:2 (Beautiful) Interesting, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet.  Could it be, (just an observation) yes, the custom was washing the visitor’s feet from the dusty paths but could the anointing of His feet, (not His head) display the declared Majesty of God on earth, His Kingly walk among man, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the One & Only, who came from the Father, full of grace & truth.” (John 1:14)

The word John uses, as Mary’s perfume is ‘myron’ a form of ‘myrrh.’  Sound familiar? What is the divine significance of myrrh? It was an ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests.  (Exodus 30:22-23) The perfumed oil poured over Jesus’ feet.  (John 12:3)  It was also an ingredient in the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.  (John 19:39-40) And we can’t forget the gift given to the toddler Jesus by the Magi (Matthew 2:9-12)

Could the people on the street smell their King coming, perhaps, perhaps not, but what beautiful imagery of the thread of anointing oil through biblical history as it wraps its way around Jesus.

“Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the King of Israel.”

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)