Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with Him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
(John 12:1-3 ESV)
Have you ever smelt pure nard? It has a strong, penetrating smell—the kind of smell that sticks to your skin for days afterward. No wonder the house was filled with the fragrance!
Mary’s hair must have smelled of it for quite a while. Jesus’ feet as well—maybe even to the cross. If so, then she was able to give Him one gift of love that would go with Him all the way to His death—where she herself could not go.
Because where Jesus was going, none of His disciples could go—not even those who loved Him most. John and Mary stood under His cross watching. But they could not help Him as He carried the burden of human sin and shame—as He faced temptations to come down from the cross, as His enemies dared Him—as He fought the powers of evil, and won. Jesus did that alone, because He loved us. And He rose from the dead three days later, to come back to us triumphant—sharing with us the gift of His own everlasting life.
We Pray: Lord, stay with me always. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
► When you suffer, do you want company or not?
► How is Jesus with you to help when you suffer?
► Are you glad that He has promised always to be with you? (See Matthew 28:20.)
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on February 28, 2026
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved