The plant grows in the Himalayas.
How did Mary get spikenard, a whole Roman pound of it…12 oz.?
It cost a year’s wages. They had to climb up 12,000 feet somewhere near China, to harvest the obscure plant, squeeze the bejabbers out of it to make a perfume. People seemed to want it. It even made the Temple’s altar – a heavy ointment with a fragrant earthy smell, stored in alabaster. Mary had it. Mary broke the bottle. For goodness sakes, Mary put it on Jesus’ FEET!!!! In seconds of crazy love, she poured it out and washed His feet in it and let her hair be the towel.
One year’s wages, a precious herb, an embarrassing act. Jesus was “on the lam” at this point. The Pharisees were plotting to kill Him. Choose somebody to adore who makes sense, not the man of sorrows, acquainted with suffering…He was despised and rejected and we esteemed Him not. Mary of Bethany, did you know?
Mother Teresa once said, “Jesus is among the poor in distressing disguise.” If that is so, are we to pour our nard on them and stop worrying about how it looks and what it costs…and are we safe?
They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. They will know we are Christians by our love…
Tags: Christian love, generosity, John 12:1-11, Mary of Bethany, missions, outrageous love, Passion week, spikenard, the poor
