Martha, Lazarus and Mary had a dinner party in honor of Jesus. The twelve disciples are present and Martha is busy serving the guests. Lazarus is reclining at the banquet table and Mary has humbled herself by kneeling at Jesus”™ feet, by having her hair unbound and by washing Jesus”™ feet with pure nard (an expensive perfume). She gave Jesus her devotion and showed her love for Him by her actions.

Judas Iscariot took exception to Mary”™s “˜wasting”™ perfume that could have been sold and added to the group”™s money. He reproved Mary”™s extravagance and in self-righteous condemnation said the money would have been better spent for the poor. Judas Iscariot”™s dishonesty and thievery was becoming known to the twelve. Judas Iscariot had already started on that slippery slope of deceit and dishonesty which would lead to the betrayal of Jesus.

How did Jesus intervene on Mary”™s behalf?

(NIV) John 12:7 “”˜Leave her alone,”™ Jesus replied. “˜It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.”™”

Jesus rebuked Judas Iscariot publically.

Jesus accepted Mary”™s sacrificial act of devotion.

Jesus predicted His death and burial.

No mention is made of Mary trying to defend herself to Judas Iscariot”™s accusation. Jesus defended her.

How freeing to know that when we are serving the Lord out of love for Him, we do not need to defend ourselves.

(NIV) John 12:8 “”˜You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”™”

Jesus acknowledged that many opportunities are given to give to the poor.

Jesus warned He would not always be physically present ““

His death was imminent.

When someone defends you, doesn”™t it give you more regard, even love, for that person? How Mary”™s heart must have been blessed because of Jesus”™ defense of her and her actions.