By Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

It may feel provocative to call Mary a “prophet-woman,” but in the hymn text (CCS 604) of the same title, author Brian Wren dares to make such a claim. What makes Mary’s action in this scripture story prophetic?

Mary “takes charge” of the anointing of Jesus, even though she is ridiculed. Why would this woman presume to anoint the teacher? The inference from the apostles’ words and actions is along the lines of “women need to stay in their place.” Mary prophetically disregards their criticism, motivated by the strong impulse she feels to anoint Jesus.

Why would she use such expensive perfume? Judas Iscariot in particular voices this complaint, including that there are many poor who would be helped by selling the perfume and giving them the money. I wonder if Jesus and Mary sensed how hypocritical Judas was being—wanting the money for the treasury and himself.

Mary had purchased the perfume in preparation for the day of Jesus’ burial. She must have sensed that Jesus’ earthly journey was nearing an end. Perhaps she would not have another opportunity to share in this anointing. Her actions were a form of prophecy of a crucifixion still several days away. Some authors have suggested that there would be no time to properly anoint Jesus between his death and burial (Luke 23:52–56), and Mary provides this ministry ahead of time.

Mary’s prophetic ministry is outside cultural expectations. Would we be willing to make such an expensive purchase without knowing the details of what was coming or to persist in the anointing ministry while others are critical? Would we be open and listening for the Spirit’s direction and ready to respond in ways outside of our culture’s expectations?

How are we doing at becoming prophetic people?

Prayer Phrase

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).

Spiritual Practice

Tears of Compassion

Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.