In John 12:1-3 We follow Mary (The sister of Martha and Lazarus) as she takes a "POUND of nard (a Rare Perfume) that was breathtakingly expensive, and she poured it on JESUS' feet....and she wiped (His feet) with her hair. And the WHOLE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH THE FRAGRANCE OF THE PERFUME!" (John 12:1-3).
By studying the cultural Background of JESUS' time on earth --- we find that Mary may well have been making a statement about WHO she believed JESUS was, proclaiming Him as MESSIAH (CHRIST). The Hebrew word for MESSIAH is "MASHIACH" --- "THE ANOINTED ONE".
In the Ancient Middle East, the Majesty of a king was expressed not only by what He wore - His jewelry and robes - But by His "aroma". Even after a King was FIRST anointed, He would perfume His robes with precious oils for special occasions. "Listen" to this from King David's "Wedding Song":
"GOD, Your GOD, has anointed You with the Oil of Gladness more than Your companions, all Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia." (Psalm 45:7-8). Also, consider King David's son - King Solomon --- "Who is this...Perfumed with myrrh, and incense made from all the spices..." (Song of Solomon 3:6-7).
Instead of being crowned during a coronation, Hebrew Kings were anointed with extremely expensive spices and oil. The marvelous scent that it left behind acted like an "Invisible Crown." During royal processions, the fragrance of expensive oils would inform the crowds that a King was passing by.
The significance of when Mary anointed JESUS' feet was probably more than a one-day thing. It is likely that the smell of the perfume would have lingered for Days... Imagine, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the guards who arrested JESUS...must have wondered WHO stood before them. When JESUS was on trial, then, mocked, whipped, and stripped naked --- even then, the aroma may have clung to HIM.
WHAT AN AMAZING GOD YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!
How are you and I to live - so that we may be a "sweet aroma" to GOD, and to other people?
"Therefore be imitators of GOD as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, and offering and a sacrifice to GOD for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2).
"Now thanks be to GOD Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us 'spreads' and makes known the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to GOD the fragrance of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 2: 14-16).
Please, I urge you - you will find MANY treasures by reading the book: "Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus". [Our Rabbi Jesus.com (the authors: Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg}.
Please enjoy singing the words below to the tune of a hymn/chorus titled "Nothing but the blood of JESUS":
"No-o higher that I know...
No-Lower I could go-o...
How Precious is the flow...
Bearing the aroma of Jesus."
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