October 2

At His Feet

Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. — John 12:3 BSB

We see Mary three times in the gospel, and each time she’s at the same place—Jesus’ feet. The first time we meet her in the Bethany home, she’s sitting at the Master’s feet, eagerly listening to His words. The next time is when Jesus returns to Bethany after Lazarus’ death, and Mary meets Him, this time in deep sorrow, seeking comfort. The third time, she’s at Christ’s feet again, this time honoring Him.

We think of Mary as a woman who always found her place at Christ’s feet. In ordinary days, she sat there as a learner, drinking in His words and absorbing His spirit. When grief came, she went there for comfort, pouring out her sorrow and looking to Him for consolation. Then, in times of joy and victory, she returned to honor Jesus with her heart’s richest gifts. There is no better place for a redeemed life than at the Savior’s feet.

In Mary’s gift, she brought her best, the most valuable thing she had. We should always bring our best to Christ. The love of a human heart is more precious to Him than any ointment in the world. We should give Him our deepest love, placing Him first in our affections. We should offer Him the best of our lives—our youth in all its vitality, our body and mind at their peak. We should give Him our best time, not just the tired moments, but the hours when we are most alert. And we should offer our finest efforts, doing our best work for Him.