Extravagant Scent
Poem inspired by Mary anointing Jesus' feet in John 12:1-3
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. - John 12:1-3
Extravagant Scent
This Mary knew Jesus raised her brother from the dead. When he returned to their home for dinner, she quietly got the amber oil. She performed the act of a disciple, washing her master's feet, wiping them with her uncovered hair (for days it would smell of nard). She anointed the feet of the anointed one, the messiah who would teach his disciples to wash one another’s feet, whose whole body would soon be buried, embalmed with a mix of aloe and myrrh. As Mary poured out her love, an extravagant scent filled the house and everyone knew who was a true disciple.
This is my fourth poem in a series inspired by the Gospel of John, including “Word with God” (John 1:1-14), “First Sign” (John 2:1-11), and “Bride” (3:29).
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