Photo of fog over lake on a winter morning

The fragrance of purpose

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

— Mark 14:3-9

Let me set the scene. This was two days before the Passover — Jesus’ final Passover and what we now call the Last Supper. Jesus knew this was the culmination of His work. We see this in His words to the disciples before this day and in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

So what about this gift?

  1. It was expensive — it cost this woman a lot.
  2. It was public, and it opened her to the criticism of others. But she didn’t care. Her eyes were only on Jesus.
  3. It was fragrant.

What’s your favorite smell? Why? Does it have memories tied to it? For me, it’s roses. They remind me of my grandmother’s house — she always had Rose Milk lotion in her bathroom. I also love the smell of irises. My mom grew them, and when I catch that scent, I’m instantly transported back to the carefree days of childhood.

Smells trigger something in us. They help us remember.

This smell stayed with Jesus. Remember, people didn’t shower every day and wash their hair the way we do. So this fragrance would have lingered on Him.

In 14:12, as He was eating the Last Supper with His disciples, He smelled it. In 14:32, while He was praying in the garden, He smelled it. In 14:43, when He was betrayed, He smelled it. In 14:53, before the council, He smelled it. In 15:1, before Pilate, He smelled it. In 15:16, as He was mocked and beaten, He smelled it. In 15:21, as He carried the cross, He smelled it. In 15:33, as He said, “It is finished,” He smelled it.

That fragrant gift reminded Him of His purpose through every moment of pain and hardship. It was a whisper: Stay on track. There is more happening here than your pain and these awful things.

If Jesus needed those reminders, so do we.

We need to lift our eyes from the momentary troubles and trials we are facing and remember that something bigger is at work.

Jesus suffered, died, and rose to redeem all of creation. That was the big picture. That fragrance reminded Him that He was anointed to die.

So what is the big picture in what is going on in your life?

What is God doing? Will evil triumph? Will God triumph?

Allow the Holy Spirit to REMIND you what should be your purpose and focus.