LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil

Wednesday 25th March 2026

MARY’S SACRIFICE

Scripture Reading: John 12

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:3

Mary was Martha’s sister. The two sisters showed their devotion to the Lord in different ways. This mirrors the Christian life - the devotion of some may be more intense in one area while others demonstrate their commitment to the Lord in other areas. Of the two sisters, Mary’s devotion is remembered more.

Mary’s costly fragrance.

Mary anointed Jesus with a pound of costly oil of spikenard. The verse details the worth of Mary’s fragrance. It was weighty and of great value; and this was what Mary poured on Jesus’ feet.  It was a very generous and extravagant act of worship.

Mary’s oil on Jesus’ feet.

In culture of the day, the feet of guests or visitors were washed with water by the lowest of servants. It was not a pleasant responsibility to undertake. Unlike today, where we have asphalt roads and paved walkways, the environment of the day did not have such modern conveniences. 

The streets were littered with animal waste and other materials that did not make washing the feet of guests convenient. Mary, though a hostess, became a servant and washed Jesus’ feet, not with water, but with fragrance. True devotion to the Lord, makes us place at Jesus’ feet, what is most valuable to us.

Mary wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair.

After Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with her expensive oil, she wiped the oil with her hair. In her culture, a woman’s hair symbolized her glory. In essence, she placed her glory at the feet of Jesus.  What a challenge her act of worship throws to us; to take what distinguishes us and makes us stand out – perhaps our ability, wealth, or influence – and give it to the Lord.

Mary’s act of devotion was effusive.

The fragrance of her worship filled the entire room and compound of the house they were in. Our acts of worship and devotion must inspire others to worship Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, all I have is yours. Let the fragrance of my worship fill the world. In Jesus’ name, *Amen.