BibleBlox
64. mary anoints Jesus with perfume
/ john 12:1-8 /
/ listen as you follow along /

One special day, Jesus came to visit π his dear friends in the town of Bethany. Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus (recently raised from the dead π΅) were thrilled π to welcome Jesus into their home. π‘ Martha was busy preparing a nice dinner, π₯ just like she always did when Jesus visited.
Mary wanted to do something extra special to show Jesus how much she loved π₯° him. She had a beautiful jar πΊ made of white stone that held very special perfume oil. This wasn't just any ordinary oil – it was called "nard" and it was so precious and expensive! π΅ It was worth as much as all the money π° someone might earn in a whole year of work. π

With great care, Mary took her precious jar πΊ and broke it open. The sweet smell π immediately started to fill the air. She poured the special oil π§΄all over Jesus's feet, and then she did something that surprised everyone – she used her own long hair π±βοΈto gently wipe His feet. π¦Ά The wonderful fragrance of the perfume spread through every room in the house. π‘
Judas, one of Jesus's disciples, wasn't happy π about what Mary did. He complained and said, "Why didn't we sell this expensive perfume and give the money π΅ to people who are poor?" (But Jesus knew that Judas didn't really care about helping the poor – he was in charge of the money bag π° and sometimes took money π for himself.)

Jesus looked at Mary with kindness π and told everyone, "Leave her alone! Mary has done a beautiful π€© thing for me. She is preparing me for the days ahead. You will always have poor people to help, but you won't always have me here with you." π€
Mary didn't need fancy words to show Jesus she loved π₯° Him. She gave Him her most precious gift π and served Him with a humble heart. π The sweet smell of the perfume reminded everyone of Mary's great love β€οΈ for Jesus.