The Message, April 6, 2025: "The Fragrance of Love," John 12:1-8

Author: Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 11, 2025

 

“The Fragrance of Love”
A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
John 12:1-8

            Everything was different after we made the turn toward Jerusalem. He told us that he had to go. He told us that the Son of Man was going to be betrayed, arrested, condemned ... and killed. Our ancient scriptures foretold it. He told us that it was his destiny; it was what God called him to do.

            He had to go. We understood that in our minds … but in our hearts … we could not accept it. We argued with him, tried to persuade him, but we knew he had to go. And as much as we absolutely did not want to, we knew that we had to go too.

            But the mood was different. Jesus still did all of the things that he did before. He taught, he healed, he performed amazing acts of power.

            In fact, that was why we had stopped at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. We had received word that Lazarus was ill. We tried to get there in time, we traveled as quickly as we could, but Lazarus died before we got arrived. He had died and was in his tomb. His sisters, his friends, wept at his tomb. We were too late. But of course, Jesus is not constrained by the laws of this world. Martha tried to stop him. She told him not to open the tomb because of the stench, but Jesus would not be dissuaded. He called Lazarus forth. God’s power is greater even than death. Lazarus was alive!

            Honestly, we needed the celebration. We needed those moments of joy and awe and wonder!

            But even as we sang and danced, even as we talked and ate, there was something else in the room; something intermingled with the joy. Was it sadness? Or dread? Perhaps even anger? Why did it have to be this way? Was this really how it was going to end?

            We really wanted to simply relax and enjoy the celebration. As I said, we needed that.

            There was Martha doing what Martha did. She was serving. She was so good. She always made certain that everything was prepared. She made certain that all was ready when we arrived. Martha was the perfect hostess.

            And Lazarus … who once was dead … sat with Jesus talking, laughing. It was wonderful to hear his voice … to hear that laugh of his.  It was easy to see why Jesus seemed to have a special affection for this family.

            And there was Mary. We could tell that she was captivated by him. Truth be told, we were all captivated by him in our own way. There was a power in his Presence, but it was gentle. He exuded love. Even with everything that was going on, even with what awaited us in Jerusalem, there was also a profound sense of peace. We were afraid … but there was also a deep sense of calm. It is hard to explain … but you just feel different … better … when he is near.

            Mary came into the room carrying a bottle of perfume. Many of the people did not even realize that she was there. Those of us who were seated near Jesus watched her enter. We remember the way that she sat at his feet that one time when he opened scripture. We remembered the look of wonder … and love … on her face as she listened … and learned.

            We were not certain what she was going to do with the perfume. Was she going to present it to him as a gift? A ‘thank you’ for raising her beloved brother from the dead?

            Then she opened it. The fragrance was sweet … lovely. She knelt at his feet and she poured it on his feet, and not just some of it … ALL of it! ALL of it! She must have worked and saved for months, maybe longer, to purchase that bottle of perfume, and she poured all of it on Jesus’ feet.

            Was it excessive? Was it wasteful? Was it impulsive? Was it extravagant? Some would argue that it was. But was it appropriate? Absolutely. In that moment, it was precisely what needed to be done.

            Yes, holy scripture told us that we are to care for the poor. “Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11) Yes, we could have sold that perfume and used it in our ministry. But Jesus called off the dogs … he silenced the objectors … and reminded us of our destination and what awaited him in Jerusalem.

            The room was suddenly still … silent. The talking had ceased. The smell of the perfume filled the room. All eyes were on Mary. We could not look away.

            Mary took off her head covering and unbound her hair. Most men would have been shocked by that breach of cultural norms, but we had long since learned that societal norms were suspended when Jesus was around. There was nothing immoral in the manner in which Mary unbound her hair.

            Mary with tears in her eyes and love in her heart used her own hair to wipe and anoint Jesus’ feet. It was one of the most beautiful things that I had ever seen. It was so tender … so intimate.

            I do not know about the others in the room, but as I watched, I thought about what must have been going on in Jesus’ heart. We were finally realizing that he was truly God’s Beloved Son, the Chosen One, but he was also human like me … like us. He ate when he was hungry, he drank when he was thirsty. He sat down when he was tired and wept when he was filled with sorrow. He stubbed his toes just like us and got rocks in his sandals just like we did.

            As we walked toward Jerusalem, was he feeling the same feelings that we were? Was he afraid too? Was he angry too? Was his heart also breaking?

            What a beautiful gift Mary gave to him. We were all drawn in. For just a few moments all of those other thoughts and feelings slipped away. And there was nothing in that room … in that moment … other than pure, selfless love.

            As we watched her wipe his feet, we realized that Mary gave us a gift as well. When she sat at Jesus’ feet listening to him teach … she learned. She learned what it meant to be a disciple.

            I have to be honest. As I watched I also felt a twinge of shame. Look at what we learned … or what we had NOT learned. We squabbled amongst ourselves about which one of us was the greatest. We argued over who would seat in the places of honor. But not Mary. Mary loved. She simply loved. I had never washed Jesus’ feet, but Mary had.

            She reminded us that discipleship is not about US. It is about Him. It is about God. It is about love. It is about service.

            Mary anointed Jesus’ feet but we all experienced the fragrance. We all experienced that love-soaked moment.

            When it came time to leave, I was different. Mary’s gift helped me to see even better what Jesus had been telling us. The Kingdom of God is all about love. But her gift also made me consider as we walked, “What gifts have I NOT given to God? What have I withheld from Jesus?”

            As I walked the Way with Jesus, I realized that I am a different disciple now. Thank you for that gift, Mary.

            Amen.

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