Why Did Mary Pour Expensive Perfume on Jesus? (John 12:1-11) | Daily Devotional & Bible Study

Today we look at John 12:1-11, where Mary pours costly perfume on Jesus' feet and Judas criticizes her. I share about a season when my family faced financial struggle and obedience felt risky. We talk about wholehearted devotion, why God's opinion matters more than anyone else's, and how He sees the heart behind our worship.

"Therefore Jesus said, 'Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.'" (John 12:7)

Questions this episode answers

Why did Mary anoint Jesus with perfume?

Mary's act was worship that came from her love for Jesus. The perfume was very costly, and she gave it freely. Jesus said it pointed ahead to His burial.

Why did Judas object to Mary's gift?

Judas said the perfume should have been sold for the poor. John tells us he said this because he was a thief, not because he cared (John 12:6). Criticism of worship sometimes comes from a heart that is not right.

What if others think my devotion to God is too much?

Mary was criticized, but Jesus defended her. God sees the heart behind what we give Him. His opinion matters more than what people think.

Timestamps

00:00 A Season of Financial Struggle and Faith

02:29 Mary's Anointing of Jesus

12:33 The Significance of Mary's Sacrifice

16:25 The Call to Bold Devotion

20:15 Closing Reflections and Prayer

Links

If Mary's bold devotion stirs you, Bible Study Live in Rome lets a small group of women study the Gospels and the early church in the places where faithful believers lived it out.

Bible Study Live is a small-group Bible study trip with Rachael Groll. Study Scripture where it happened in Rome, or slow down for a contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui. Dates and details at BibleStudyLive.org

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