1. Mention greetings.
The Alabaster Vial 1

2. Supper in Bethany
1 Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came unto Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and, the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3 NASB
John 12:1-3 NASB 2

3. On the Way to Jerusalem Last stop before reaching Jerusalem.
One of the most memorable events during the final week of our Lord’s earthly ministry took place in Bethany, just 2 miles from Jerusalem. (John 11:18)
This was Jesus LAST STOP before reaching Jerusalem and the TUMULTUOUS EVENTS which would culminate in our Lord’s death and resurrection. But this night was the QUIET BEFORE the storm. Here, in the home of Simon the Leper, Jesus was the HONORED GUEST at a feast hosted by Martha, Mary and Lazarus, We first meet Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42.
Last stop before reaching Jerusalem.
Events culminate in our Lord’s death and resurrection.
Quiet before the storm.
Honored guest at a feast
Hosted by Martha, Mary and Lazarus. 3

4. First Meeting with Martha and Mary
Martha no longer had a husband.
Different home than that of Simon the Leper.
Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching.
Martha was left to serve by herself.
When Jesus and his disciples were on an earlier visit to Jerusalem, Martha welcomed them into her home and served them. Since it is called Martha’s home, it appears that (1) MARTHA NO longer had a husband and (2) this was a DIFFERENT HOME than that of Simon the Leper. During Jesus’ visit, MARY SAT at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching while MARTHA WAS left to serve all by herself. Martha complained to Jesus about this and ASKED JESUS to tell Mary to help out. Instead, Jesus responded in Luke 10:41,42 (NASB):
Asked Jesus to tell Mary to help out. 4

5. First Meeting with Martha and Mary
41 “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things: 42 But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NASB) 5

6. First Meeting with Martha and Mary
Jesus did not criticize Martha for her serving him.
Jesus appreciated Martha’s sacrifice and labor of love.
Looking for a heart open to receive his message.
“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 NASB
JESUS DID NOT criticize Martha for her serving him and the disciples. JESUS APPRECIATED Martha’s sacrifice and labor of love. However, Jesus was LOOKING FOR those with a heart open to receive his message, the words of truth. He found that in Mary. Our Lord said something similar to the women at the well in Samaria. “IF YOU KNEW the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 NASB 6

7. Living Water Martha focused on serving literal food.
Mary focused on receiving living water, truth.
Receiving the truth is more important.
Working in cooperation with God, walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
This same living water was available to Martha and Mary. While MARTHA WAS FOCUSED on serving Jesus literal food, MARY WAS FOCUSED on receiving the living water. Jesus was telling Martha, while service was important, RECEIVING THE TRUTH is ultimately more important. This is an important lesson that we should take from this encounter between Martha, Mary and Jesus. Service to God is crucial but it is more than just providing food and drink. It is WORKING IN COOPERATION with God and walking in the footsteps of Jesus. For that, we need the LIVING WATER, the words of Truth, to (1) enlighten our hearts and minds about the right path of service, and then (2) provide the spiritual growth and strength we need to render that service.
Need the living water:
Enlighten our hearts and minds about the right path of service.
Provide the spiritual growth, strength we need to render that service. 7

8. Lazarus
1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11:1-3 (NASB)
Lazurus is not introduced until John 11:1-3 when we are told that he became sick. (NASB)
Jesus did not rush back to Bethany to heal Lazarus’ illness but abode in his place two more days until Lazarus died. Then the band traveled back to Bethany arriving four days later. (John 11:5) 8

9. Martha Meets Jesus
“If You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21
Martha believed Jesus could have healed her brother.
“I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” John 11:22
Martha asking Jesus to raise her brother from the dead?
Martha went to meet Jesus even before he arrived in Bethany. You can sense the disappointment in her voice when she said to Jesus, “IF YOU HAD been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) MARTHA CLEARLY BELIEVED that Jesus could have healed her brother from his illness. Martha also understood the close relationship between Jesus and his Heavenly Father. She told Jesus “I KNOW THAT whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” (John 11:22) WAS MARTHA asking Jesus to raise her brother from the dead? We ARE NOT TOLD what she meant with this statement.
We are not told what she meant with this statement. 9

10. Martha Meets Jesus Martha believed in the resurrection. John 11:24
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” John 11:25
Resurrection, everlasting life available only through Jesus.
Martha believed:
In the resurrection.
Jesus was the Messiah.
MARTHA BELIEVED in a resurrection but perhaps, had not yet linked that promise to Jesus. That is why Jesus responded “I AM THE resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” (John 11:25) Jesus was teaching Martha and us the RESURRECTION AND everlasting life would be available only through Jesus. Previously, Martha had closely listened to the words of Jesus. SHE BELIEVED in the resurrection, that Lazarus would be raised in the last day. SHE BELIEVED that Jesus was the messiah, the son of God. Now SHE WAS LEARNING from Jesus the linkage between himself and the resurrection.
She was learning the linkage between Jesus and the resurrection. 10

11. Mary Meets Jesus Mary leaves the home to meet Jesus. John 12:32
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 (NASB)
Both Martha and Mary believed him, loved him, served him.
Believed Jesus had loved them, their brother.
Martha left Jesus and told Mary that Jesus called for her. MARY LEAVES the home to meet Jesus and falls at his feet. (John12:32) You can sense her disappointment when she repeats the same words that Martha had spoken: “LORD, IF YOU had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32 NASB) Both Martha and Mary acknowledged Jesus as their Lord. THEY BELIEVED him, loved him and served him. THEY BELIEVED that Jesus had loved them and their brother and yet, they COULD NOT UNDERSTAND why Jesus had not come in time to heal their brother and prevent his death.
Could not understand why Jesus had not come to heal their brother. 11

12. We Are in a Similar Position
Trust the Lord to lead and care for us, to protect us.
Faced with a difficult situation
As if the Lord has abandoned us.
We still love the Lord, believe in him
Don’t understand what is happening, why.
Jesus feels our every sorrow, every doubt, concern.
Many times we are in a similar position as Martha and Mary. WE TRUST THE LORD to lead and care for us, to protect us and our loved ones. Then WE ARE FACED with a difficult situation, through no fault of our own, and it seems as if the Lord has abandoned us. He could have saved us from the situation or stopped it from getting worse and yet, he did not intervene. Like Martha and Mary, our hearts become very sorrowful. WE STILL LOVE the Lord, we still believe in him but we just don’t understand what is happening and why. Jesus’ response to Martha and Mary reminds us that JESUS FEELS our every sorrow, he is aware of our every doubt and concern. He BOTH SHAPES the situation and responds to our circumstances in ways to best comfort our hearts and draw us even closer to him.
Shapes the situation to comfort our hearts, draw us closer to him. 12

13. Martha and Mary Heart-Broken
Their sorrow was so great – it touched Jesus deeply.
“He was deeply moved and visibly distressed.” John 11:33 (Phillips)
His heart ached, felt great compassion for his friends.
Touched with a feeling of their infirmities. Heb. 4:15; Isa. 53:3
Both Martha and Mary were heart-broken at the death of Lazarus. THEIR SORROW and the sorrow of their friends was so great – it touched Jesus deeply. “HE WAS deeply moved and visibly distressed.” (John 11:33 Phillips) Jesus was moved to tears as they took him to the tomb. Jesus already knew that he would raise Lazarus from the grave. Still, HIS TENDER HEART ached and felt great compassion for his dear friends in their sorrow at the death of their brother. HE WAS TOUCHED with a feeling of their infirmities and bore their sorrows. (Heb. 4:15; Isa. 53:3) Some in the audience asked "COULD HE NOT have kept this man from dying if he could open that blind man's eyes?" (John 11:36 Phillips) When they reached the tomb, he asked for the stone to be removed. When Martha protested, Jesus responded in John 11:40-44 (Phillips):
"Could he not have kept this man from dying if he could open that blind man's eyes?" John 11:36 (Phillips) 13

14. Raising of Lazarus
40 "Did I not tell you," replied Jesus, "that if you believed, you would see the wonder of what God can do?" 41 Then they took the stone away and Jesus raised his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I know that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of these people standing here so that they may believe that you have sent me.” 14

15. Raising of Lazarus
43 And when he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with grave-clothes and his face muffled with a handkerchief. "Now unbind him," Jesus told them, "and let him go home." 15

16. Impact on Martha, Mary, Lazarus
Performed a miracle for their benefit.
Turned their great sorrow into indescribable joy.
Their love for Jesus would have known no bounds.
Looked for an outlet of expression.
Think about how this event would have affected Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Jesus had PERFORMED A MIRACLE for their benefit – never before seen in human history. He had TURNED THEIR GREAT sorrow into indescribable joy – Lazarus was alive once more. As a result, THEIR LOVE FOR JESUS would have known no bounds. Their joy, thankfulness and appreciation WOULD HAVE LOOKED for an outlet of expression. We FIND THAT EXPRESSION just a few days later during the dinner at Simon the leper’s home.
Find that expression during the dinner at Simon the leper’s home. 16

17. Impact on Human Family
Joy when they will be brought back from the tomb.
Great sorrow will be turned to indescribable joy. Job 33:24-25
How grateful they will be:
Stones of evil have been removed.
Roaring lion Satan in the bottomless pit.
All of the influences of evil subdued Isa. 62:10; Rev. 20:2-3; Isa. 35:9
The joy that Martha, Mary and Lazarus experienced brings to mind the JOY OF THE HUMAN FAMILY during Christ’s kingdom when all will be brought back from the tomb to learn righteousness and have the opportunity for everlasting life. Just like Martha and Mary, the human family’s GREAT SORROW will be turned to indescribable joy when their loved ones return from the tomb. (Job 33:24-25) HOW GRATEFUL mankind will be when all the stones of evil and unrighteousness have been removed, the roaring lion Satan is shut up in the bottomless pit and all of the influences of evil subdued. (Isa. 62:10; Rev. 20:2-3; Isa. 35:9) They will rejoice as Martha and Mary did – at the awakening of their brother. They will rejoice as Lazarus did – being brought back to life. Isa. 25:9 (NASB): “AND IT WILL be said in that day, Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”
“And it will be said in that day, Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” Isa. 25:9 (NASB) 17

18. Dinner at Simon the Leper’s Home
Simon was either their father or Martha’s husband. Reprint 2703
Simon was likely their father and was no longer alive.
As close to a home as Jesus had during his earthly ministry. “Ointment, Very Precious.” Bro. Seklemian
We are not told who the “Simon the Leper” was. Bro. Russell suggests in Reprint 2703 that SIMON WAS EITHER their father or Martha’s husband. Since the earlier dinner was at Martha’s home, we suggest that SIMON WAS LIKELY their father and was no longer alive. Bro. Seklemian, in his discourse “Ointment, Very Precious”, suggests that this home was AS CLOSE TO A HOME as Jesus had during his earthly ministry. The dinner at Bethany would have been JESUS’ FIRST VISIT to the family since the raising of Lazarus.
Jesus’ first visit to the family since the raising of Lazarus. 18

19. Mary’s Thought Process
How could she express her appreciation to, great love for Jesus?
Treat him as the finest earthly king:
Anointing him with finest perfume.
Ointment of spikenard = perfumed oil of great cost.
“Balsam of spikenard genuine of great price.” (Diaglott)
“Pure nard perfume, very precious”. (Rotherham)
The awakening of Lazarus must have stirred a train of thoughts in Mary’s heart – HOW COULD SHE express her appreciation to and great love for Jesus for the great love he had bestowed upon them? She concluded that she WOULD TREAT HIM as the finest earthly king or emperor – by anointing him with her finest perfume. Looking at several different translations, it appears that the OINTMENT OF SPIKENARD was a perfumed oil of great cost. The Diaglott describes it as “BALSAM OF SPIKENARD genuine of great price.” Rotherham translates it “PURE NARD PERFUME, very precious”. Judas said it was worth 300 denarii or nearly one year’s wages. (John 12:5) AT TODAY’S WAGES, the ointment would have been worth $52,909.
At today’s wages, the ointment would have been worth $52,909. 19

20. Where Did the Perfume Come From?
Make it by hand?
Not enough time to make it:
Between the raising of Lazarus and the dinner.
Buy it at the market?
Judas’ objection would have – why didn’t you just give us the money?
Where did the perfume come from? DID MARY make it by hand? There was NOT ENOUGH TIME to make it – between the raising of Lazarus and the dinner when she anointed Jesus. Did SHE BUY IT at the market? If she had, then JUDAS’ OBJECTION would have – why didn’t you just give us the money instead of buying this expensive perfume. We like Bro. Seklemian’s suggestion that THIS PERFUME might have been a family heirloom
Perfume might have been a family heirloom. Bro. Seklemian 20

21. The Anointing – a Family Project?
Mary’s idea:
Jesus gives her sole credit for it.
Probably was a family project.
Agreement by all three to use it for their friend Jesus.
Martha served the dinner freeing Mary to render this service.
Lazarus no doubt approved its use.
Next to their home, it may have been the greatest item of value they possessed. While the anointing seems to be MARY’S IDEA and Jesus gives her sole credit for it, it PROBABLY WAS a family project. It is not likely that Mary would have access to this heirloom by herself. It would have TAKEN AGREEMENT by all three to use it for their friend Jesus and we think all three agreed on how it should be used. MARTHA SERVED the dinner freeing Mary to render this most important service. Lazarus attended the dinner and NO DOUBT APPROVED its use. Remember, it was his life that had been saved. 21

22. Jesus’ Visit Anticipated Jesus would visit.
Sent Jesus an invitation to stay, dine with them?
Dinner was planned, what Mary did was agreed upon.
Expression of their love, appreciation to their Lord.
Mary was the prime mover in this experience.
Perfume was not used to anoint the body of Lazurus.
THEY ANTICIPATED Jesus would visit them on his way to Jerusalem for the feast as he had previously done. Perhaps THEY SENT JESUS an invitation to stay and dine with them, on his way to Jerusalem. In either case, we think this DINNER WAS PLANNED and what Mary did was agreed upon, as an EXPRESSION OF THEIR collective love and appreciation to their Lord and Master. All approved though MARY WAS THE PRIME mover in this experience. It is important to note that the PERFUME WAS NOT USED to anoint the body of Lazurus after he died. Instead, it had been saved and WAS AVAILABLE to anoint the master.
Perfume was available to anoint the master. 22

23. The Anointing
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head, as he reclined at the table Matt. 26:6-7 (NASB)
“Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:3 (NASB)
Matthew writes in Mat 26:6-7 (NASB):
6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the home of Simon the leper,
7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head, as he reclined at the table.
John 12:3 (NASB): “MARY THEN TOOK a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” Mary was the woman, who broke vial’s seal and anointed first our Lord’s head and then his feet wiping them with her hair. The ROOM AND MARY’S hair both were filled with the sweet smell of the perfume.
Mary’s hair was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume. 23

24. Mary’s Great Love for Jesus
Anointing him with the most valuable thing she possessed
In a most humble way.
She bowed at her master’s feet
Anointing them.
Wiping them with the crown of her glory, her hair. 1 Cor. 11:15
The manner in which Mary anointed Jesus tells us so much about her great love for him. She showed that love by ANOINTING HIM with the most valuable thing she possessed – in a most humble way. After anointing his head, SHE BOWED AT HER master’s feet, anointing them and then wiping them with the crown of her glory, her hair. (1 Cor. 11:15) MARY HUMBLED HERSELF before her Lord in a way very few have. Bro. Russell writes in Reprint R3534:
Mary humbled herself before her Lord in a way very few have. 24

25. The Anointing
“What a picture of loving devotion is here given us! The feet, always recognized as the humblest and lowest members of the human frame--the hair of the head, especially of woman, always recognized as a special treasure and glory to her--here thus brought together in a way which signified that Mary esteemed her Lord and Master as infinitely above and beyond her.” Reprint 3534
“What a picture of loving devotion is here given us! The feet, always recognized as the humblest and lowest members of the human frame--the hair of the head, especially of woman, always recognized as a special treasure and glory to her--here thus brought together in a way which signified that Mary esteemed her Lord and Master as infinitely above and beyond her.” 25

26. Judas Criticizes Mary Judas proclaimed it a waste.
Perfume could have been sold
Money given to the poor. John 12:4-6
Kindled similar criticism from other disciples Matt. 26:8-9; Mark 14:4-5
Judas was deceitful in his criticism.
What happened next caught Mary and her family by surprise. Instead of praising her great sacrifice, JUDAS PROCLAIMED it a waste. With indignation, he said the PERFUME COULD HAVE been sold for 300 denarii and the money given to the poor. (John 12:4-6) His indignation KINDLED SIMILAR CRITICISM from other disciples. (Matt. 26:8-9; Mark 14:4-5) However, John tells us that JUDAS WAS DECEITFUL in his criticism. Judas did not care for the poor nor for his master. He wanted the perfume sold, so that the MONEY WOULD COME to him as the treasurer and he could steal it for his own purposes
Money would come to him and he could steal it. 26

27. Disciple’s Join the Criticism
Other disciples joined Judas in his criticism.
Seemed like an extravagance.
Criticism had a crushing effect on Mary’s heart.
Such an expression of love and thankfulness
Brought such indignation upon her.
The OTHER DISCIPLES joined Judas in his criticism, not understanding the depth of love which motivated Mary. To them, it SEEMED LIKE an extravagance – but – then, Jesus had not awakened a member of their family from the tomb. THIS CRITICISM must have had a crushing effect on Mary’s heart. Something that she had planned to be SUCH AN EXPRESSION of love and thankfulness to her master BROUGHT SUCH INDIGNATION upon her from his closest followers. COULD SHE HAVE been so wrong in what she felt and was trying to do?
Unlike his disciples, Jesus deeply appreciated Mary’s gift and even more, the great love that prompted it. Jesus reveals the great depth of love in Mary’s gift in his response to his disciples in Mark 14:6-9 (Weymouth):
Could she have been so wrong in what she felt and was trying to do? 27

28. Jesus Responds
6 "Leave her alone: why are you troubling her? She has done a most gracious act towards me.
7 For you always have the poor among you, and whenever you choose you can do acts of kindness to them; but me you have not always.
8 What she could she did: she has perfumed my body in preparation for my burial.
And I solemnly tell you that wherever in the whole world the Good News shall be proclaimed, this which she has done shall also be told in remembrance of her.” Mark 14:6-9 (Weymouth) 28

29. Mary, a Messenger to Jesus
Blessing from God
Refreshed our Lord’s spirit
Indication of the Father’s favor.
Beautiful act of kindness for Jesus.
Jesus would be with them for only a few more days.
Anointed Jesus’ body for his burial.
Demonstrated the character, love Jesus was seeking.
Mary was like an angel or messenger to Jesus. Her act was a BLESSING FROM GOD, refreshed our Lord’s spirit and was an indication of the Father’s abiding favor. She had rendered a MOST BEAUTIFUL act of kindness for Jesus. The disciples would have many years to do acts of kindness for the poor – but – JESUS WOULD be with them for only a few more days. Mary, unbeknownst to her, had ANOINTED JESUS’ body in preparation for his burial. Mary’s kindness, had DEMONSTRATED THE CHARACTER and love that Jesus was seeking and he commended her for that. She HAD DONE RIGHT and her critics were wrong.
She had done right! 29

30. Lessons for Us Establish Mary as an example for us to follow.
Heart attitude and action Jesus is expecting from us.
Mary anointed our Lord’s head and his feet.
Illustrates to our love and service to:
Jesus (our head).
Our brethren (his feet).
The Lord had this story recorded not just to praise Mary but to ESTABLISH MARY as an example for us to follow. Just as she demonstrated her great love and thankfulness to Jesus by anointing him, we should do similarly. This is the HEART ATTITUDE AND ACTION Jesus is expecting from each one of us. Mary was able to show her great love directly to Jesus, before he had died. But what about us? MARY ANOINTED both our Lord’s head and his feet. This would ILLUSTRATE OUR LOVE and service being directed to both Jesus (our head) and OUR BRETHREN (his feet). HOW DO WE DO THIS? We show our love for Jesus (our head) by keeping his commandments. Jesus said so in John 14:21,23 (NASB):
How do we do this? 30

31. Anointing the Head
21 He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. 23 … If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:21,23 (NASB) 31

32. … By Keeping His Words Show him our love by:
Following his example.
Conforming our hearts to his character.
“He who does not love Me does not keep My words;” John 14:24 (NASB)
Do not make a serious, constant effort to keep Jesus’ words
Our love for him is lacking.
Jesus keeps it very simple. WE SHOW HIM our love – by keeping his words, following his example and conforming our hearts to his character. John 14:24 (NASB): “HE WHO DOES not love Me does not keep My words;” If WE DO NOT make a serious and constant effort to keep Jesus’ words in our lives, it means our love for him is lacking. What were the commandments that Jesus gave us to follow? During his earthly ministry, JESUS MENTIONED THREE. Jesus listed two of them in Mat 22:37,39-40 (NASB):
During his earthly ministry, Jesus mentioned three. 32

33. First Two Commandments
37 … YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. 39 The second is like it, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. Matt. 22:37,39-40 (NASB) 33

34. Third Commandment
A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another John 13:34-35 (NASB)
Jesus added a third commandment in John 13:34 (NASB): 34

35. Royal Law of Love
3 commandments sum up the royal law of love. James 2:8
Demonstrate our love to Jesus:
Love God supremely
Love our neighbors as ourselves.
Love one another as Jesus did John 3:16
Loving Jesus does not restrict our love to just Him
Expands our love to our Heavenly Father, our neighbors, our brethren. Luke 6:27-28,32-35
THESE 3 COMMANDMENTS sum up the royal law of love. (James 2:8) To DEMONSTRATE OUR LOVE directly to Jesus as pictured by Mary anointing Jesus’ head, we must love God supremely, love our neighbors as ourselves and love one another, our brethren, as Jesus did – by laying down our lives for them. (1 John 3:16) Loving Jesus DOES NOT RESTRICT our love to just Him – but – EXPANDS OR MULTIPLIES our love to our Heavenly Father, our neighbors including our enemies and our brethren. (Luke 6:27-28,32-35) 35

36. Anointing the Feet Show our love for Jesus by:
Bestowing that love upon.
Humbly serving the feet members.
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:10
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; … through love serve one another.” Gal. 5:13 (NASB)
By anointing the feet of Jesus and wiping them with her hair, Mary demonstrated that we are to SHOW OUR LOVE for Jesus not just by serving him – but - by bestowing that love upon and HUMBLY SERVING the feet members of the Christ. Paul confirms this in Gal. 6:10: “AS WE HAVE therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Paul adds in Gal. 5:13 (NASB): “FOR YOU WERE called to freedom, brethren; ... through love serve one another.” We SHOW OUR LOVE for Jesus by serving, loving and sacrificing for our brethren we would do unto Jesus directly. Repeat: We SHOW OUR LOVE for Jesus by serving, loving and sacrificing for our brethren we would do unto Jesus directly.
Show our love for Jesus by serving, loving and sacrificing for our brethren as we would do unto Jesus directly. 36

37. Who do We Serve?
Any and all of the Lord’s disciples should be recipients.
Includes all, not just those who agree with us.
Look for those who:
Might be forgotten.
Less prominent.
Less noticed.
Help those who cannot return the service.
Be attentive, constantly on the lookup for those who need help.
Who does this include? ANY AND ALL of the Lord’s disciples should be recipients of our service. This INCLUDES ALL of our brethren, not just those who agree with us. We should especially look for those who MIGHT BE FORGOTTEN, the less prominent, the less noticed to serve and help. We should especially help THOSE WHO CANNOT return the service. We should be ATTENTIVE AND CONSTANTLY on the lookup for those who need help and then we should help them. We shouldn’t wait for them to come to us. Instead, we should SEEK THEM OUT and be attentive to their needs.
We should seek them out, be attentive to their needs. 37

38. Tabitha or Dorcas, an Example
“Woman abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” (Acts 9:36 NASB)
Helpful to one of the least prominent groups – the widows.
Made clothes (tunics and garments) for them.
So helpful to, loved by the widows:
Widows’ appeal to Peter helped convince him to raise Dorcas from the dead. Acts 9:37-41
Tabitha or Dorcas is one disciple who followed this example. She was a “WOMAN ABOUNDING with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” (Acts 9:36 NASB). She was ESPECIALLY HELPFUL to one of the least prominent and most needy groups of brethren in her day – the widows. Dorcas MADE CLOTHES (tunics and garments) for them. Dorcas WAS SO HELPFUL TO and loved by the widows, that WIDOWS’ APPEAL to the Apostle Peter helped convince him to raise Dorcas from the dead. Acts 9:37-41 LET US FOLLOW the example that Dorcas set.
Let us follow the example that Dorcas set. 38

39. Breaking the Alabaster Vial
What is our alabaster vial and how do we break it?
Alabaster vial = our heart.
Perfume = best wishes of our love.
“It is not our privilege to come into personal contact with our dear Redeemer. It is our privilege to anoint the Lord's ‘brethren’ with the sweet perfume of love; and the more costly as respects our self-denials, the more precious it will be in the estimation of our Elder Brother.” Reprint 2448
Mary poured a rich, very costly perfume on our Lord. WHAT IS OUR ALABASTER vial and how do we break it? Bro. Russell suggests that Mary’s ALABASTER VIAL represents our heart and THE PERFUME she poured upon Jesus pictures the best wishes of our love that should poured from our hearts upon our brethren.
“IT IS NOT our privilege to come into personal contact with our dear Redeemer. It is our privilege to anoint the Lord's ‘brethren’ with the sweet perfume of love; and the more costly as respects our self-denials, the more precious it will be in the estimation of our Elder Brother.” Reprint 2448 39

40. Breaking the Alabaster Vial
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matt. 10:42 (NASB)
More our service costs us, the more valuable it is in our Lord’s estimation.
Ease the burden of a trial on our brethren.
Pouring our love upon our brethren who:
Facing serious trials of health.
Laboring in difficult trials with respect to work, the world, their personal lives.
Lonely and missing family members.
Those struggling in their spiritual lives.
How can we do this? Jesus said in Matt 10:42 (NASB): “ AND WHOSOEVER SHALL give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Our service can be as simple as giving a cup of cold water or it can be as expensive as providing costly perfume. The MORE OUR SERVICE costs us, the more valuable it is in our Lord’s estimation. One way of serving is to EASE THE BURDEN of a trial or difficult experience on our brethren. That is what Mary did. We can do the same thing – POURING OUR LOVE upon our brethren who are facing serious trials of health or physical illness, those WHO ARE LABORING in difficult trials with respect to their work, the world or their personal lives, those WHO ARE LONELY and missing family members and those WHO ARE STRUGGLING in their spiritual lives. 40

41. We Can Encourage the Brethren by …
Providing a place to get away from the trials, pressures they are facing.
Provide spiritual encouragement
Giving them a willing ear, opportunity to unburden their hearts, etc.
Taking some of the workload off of their shoulders.
Provide material assistance in the form of time, funds, physical assistance such as transportation.
We can encourage them as Martha and Mary did – PROVIDING A PLACE to get away from the trials and pressures they are facing. We can PROVIDE SPIRITUAL ENCOURAGEMENT by giving them a willing ear and an opportunity to unburden their hearts, share their concerns, express their fears, etc. We can share their burden BY TAKING SOME of the workload off of their shoulders or helping them do – things they cannot do for themselves. We can PROVIDE MATERIAL ASSISTANCE in the form of time, funds, physical assistance such as transportation and other forms of help. 41

42. Lydia, an Example After the Lord opened her heart,
She and her household were baptized.
“She urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon” the disciples to stay at her home Acts 16:14-15 (NASB)
Follow Lydia’s example:
Become helpers of those used in the Lord’s service.
Lydia, a seller of purple fabrics in the city of Thyatira, was an example of this. AFTER THE LORD opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul, she and her household were baptized. “SHE URGED US, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon” the disciples to stay at her home. (Acts 16:14-15 NASB) LET US FOLLOW Lydia’s example and become helpers of those used in the Lord’s service. 42

43. Our Motivation
Great love, thankfulness to the Lord for his great love toward us.
Raised from Adamic condemnation, similar to Lazarus’ awakening.
God “who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;” 2 Cor. 1:10
Begotten unto an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 1:3
Just as thankful for our deliverance as Lazarus, his sisters were for his.
Our motivation in providing this help should the same as Mary’s – GREAT LOVE AND THANKFULNESS to the Lord for his great love toward us. Those who have made a consecration, have been RAISED FROM ADAMIC condemnation to walk in newness of life – similar to Lazarus’ awakening. GOD “WHO DELIVERED us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;” (2 Cor. 1:10) We have been BEGOTTEN UNTO AN INHERITANCE incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 1:3) We should be JUST AS THANKFUL for our deliverance as Lazarus and his sisters were for his. The great love because of our deliverance should LEAD US TO HOLD nothing back in our service to the Lord.
Lead us to hold nothing back in our service to the Lord. 43

44. Our Service Should be Done in Humility
Should kneel down before our brethren to serve them.
Service is not to gain accolades
Ease the burden
Refresh the hearts
Encourage the faith
Inspire the zeal of our brethren.
Priscilla and Aquila are examples
“who … risked their own necks” for the Apostle Paul. Rom. 16:3-4
Like Mary, OUR SERVICE SHOULD be done in great humility. Just as Mary knelt before her master and Jesus knelt to wash the disciples’ feet, WE SHOULD KNEEL down before our brethren to serve them. Our service is NOT TO GAIN ACCOLADES for ourselves, but to EASE THE BURDEN, refresh the hearts, encourage the faith and inspire the zeal of our brethren. PRISCILLA AND AQUILA are examples of humility in service “who … risked their own necks” for the Apostle Paul. (Rom. 16:3-4) LET US IN HUMILITY risk our necks and lay down our lives for one another.
Let us in humility risk our necks, lay down our lives for one another. 44

45. Being Prompt Mary anointed him for his burial. John 12:7
If she had waited just 6 days
She would have lost the opportunity.
Timeliness was the key.
Mary’s love would not let her wait.
She planned for, took advantage of the opportunity before her.
Other woman who came to anoint the Lord at his tomb, were too late. Mark 16:1-2
Our Lord mentioned that MARY ANOINTED HIM for his burial. (John 12:7) This thought was probably not in Mary’s mind when she poured the costly perfume on our Lord’s head and anointed his feet. However, IF SHE HAD WAITED just 6 days, for our Lord to stop by their home after the Passover, she would have lost the opportunity to refresh and encourage our Lord while he was still alive. TIMELINESS was the key. MARY’S LOVE would not let her wait. SHE PLANNED FOR and took advantage of the opportunity before her. In contrast, THE OTHER WOMAN who came to anoint the Lord at his tomb were too late. (Mark 16:1-2) 45

46. We Need to be Timely Pouring out the love of our hearts:
On our brethren now, while they are on this side of the veil.
Our brethren will eventually finish their course.
Chance to anoint them with love will be gone forever.
Need help, encouragement now:
During their walk up the narrow way.
Like Mary, we need be timely in POURING OUT the love of our hearts ON OUR BRETHREN NOW, while they are still on this side of the veil. Each of our brethren will EVENTUALLY FINISH their course. After that, the CHANCE TO ANOINT them with the sweet perfume of love and help will be gone forever. THEY NEED HELP and encouragement now – during their walk up the narrow way. We should break the seal on our alabaster vial and POUR OUT THE sweetest perfume of love every chance that we see.
Pour out the sweetest perfume of love every chance that we see. 46

47. Brethren at Rome, an Example
Demonstrated this timeliness when they heard of Paul’s approach.
Traveled from Rome to the Market of Appius, Three Inns to meet him.
“When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.” Acts 28:14-15 (NASB)
Encouraging to Paul for the Roman brethren to travel 43 miles:
Just to meet and welcome him.
The brethren of Rome DEMONSTRATED THIS timeliness when they heard of Paul’s approach. They TRAVELED FROM ROME to the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet him and “WHEN PAUL SAW them, he thanked God and took courage.” (Acts 28:14-15 NASB) It was ENCOURAGING TO THE Apostle Paul for the Roman brethren to travel nearly 43 miles or 1 day’s journey outside of Rome – just to MEET AND WELCOME him. LET US BE PROMPT to follow the example of these brethren.
Let us be prompt to follow the example of these brethren. 47

48. Mary’s Hair Took on the Sweet Fragrance
Act of service, humility reflected beauty back to her.
“The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered.” Prov. 11:24-25 (NASB)
Serve our Lord by serving their brethren:
Develop the sweet fragrance of a Christian character.
By wiping our Lord’s feet with her hair, Mary’s hair took on the sweet fragrance of the perfume. Her ACT OF SERVICE and humility reflected beauty back to her even before our Lord praised her act of kindness. This reminds us of the principle found in Prov. 11:25 (NASB): THE GENEROUS MAN will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. Those who SERVE OUR LORD by serving their brethren develop the sweet fragrance of a Christian character just as Mary did. The sweet perfume of their love refreshes not only those who come in contact with them but also REFRESHES THEMSELVES.
Sweet perfume of their love … also refreshes themselves. 48

49. Taking the Initiative Mary demonstrated a boldness of action.
Her heart would not let her delay.
Made sure that she showed how much she loved him.
Would we have taken the initiative?
MARY DEMONSTRATED a boldness of action that brought the Lord’s approval. HER HEART would not let her delay. She seized the opportunity when it presented itself and MADE SURE that she showed her Lord and master, how much she loved him. If we had been in Mary’s place, WOULD WE HAVE taken the initiative to do what she did? DO WE TAKE THE INITIATIVE today - to show our Lord how much we love him?
Do we take the initiative to show our Lord how much we love him? 49

50. What is the Spark of Zeal?
What is that spark of zeal
Leads us to open our hearts, pour out its precious contents?
For Mary, it was the resurrection of her brother Lazarus.
When Jesus raised her brother from the dead
Fanned the fire of her love for Jesus into a consuming blaze.
What is that SPARK OF ZEAL that leads us to open the vial of our hearts and pour out its precious contents? For Mary, we think it was the RESURRECTION OF HER brother Lazarus that inspired her to provide this very special service to the Lord. She loved Jesus very much but WHEN JESUS RAISED her brother from the dead, that spark FANNED THE FIRE of her love for Jesus into a consuming blaze. 50

51. What is the Spark that Leads Us?
Great thankfulness that Jesus has called us out of darkness?
Our deliverance from Adam condemnation?
God’s overruling providences in our lives?
God’s great love and mercy in forgiving us our sins, leading us up the narrow way?
What is the spark that leads us to follow Mary’s example? Is it our GREAT THANKFULNESS that Jesus has called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light? Is it OUR DELIVERANCE from Adam condemnation into the glorious liberty of the sons of God? Is it God’s OVERRULING PROVIDENCES in our lives – which has provided both great blessings and great deliverance from our enemies? Is it God’s GREAT LOVE AND MERCY in forgiving us our sins through the merit of Jesus’ sacrifice and leading us up the narrow way? 51

52. Jesus’ Spark Was … His all-consuming love for God.
Lay down his life as a ransom.
Humble service immortalized his great love for God.
Must be a spark in our lives
Turns the fire of our love for Jesus into a consuming blaze.
Not stop until our love has been poured out.
May the Lord help us to find that spark
Kindle love in a blazing fire.
In Jesus, the spark was his ALL-CONSUMING LOVE for God that led him to lay down his life as a ransom for Father Adam. That spark led Jesus to delight to do the Heavenly Father’s will no matter what the consequences to himself. HIS HUMBLE SERVICE, even more fragrant that Mary’s sacrifice, immortalized his great love for the God. Whatever it might be, THERE MUST BE A SPARK in our lives, something that TURNS THE FIRE OF OUR LOVE for Jesus into a consuming blaze that WILL NOT STOP until our love has been poured out and our sacrifice consumed on the altar. MAY THE LORD HELP US to find that spark, kindle that love into a blazing fire and POUR OUT THE SWEET perfume of love wherever we go – just as Mary did.
Pour out the sweet perfume of love wherever we go. 52

53. 53

54. On the Way to Jerusalem
Jesus to suffer many things, be killed, rise the third day. Matt. 16:21
Disciples did not understand.
Restore the kingdom to Israel. Acts 1:6
In Judas - desire for wealth.
Other disciples – confusion, fear, not understanding.
“Many things to say unto you but ye cannot bear them now.” John 16:12 54

55. First Meeting with Martha and Mary
38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, “Lord, do You out not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me. 55

56. Martha Meets Jesus
20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 56

57. Martha Meets Jesus
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world. 28 When she had said this, she went away and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” John 11:20-28 (NASB) 57