John 12:7
“But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial.”
What does John 12:7 mean?
Jesus is defending Mary of Bethany, who has just poured expensive perfume on his feet—an act that shocked the disciples as wasteful. In this moment, Jesus sees what others miss: Mary understands, at some level, that his death is coming, and she's anointing him with honor before it happens. Rather than scolding her for extravagance, he affirms her as someone who grasps the weight of what's about to unfold. It's a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful acts aren't the most practical ones, and that devotion expressed in the moment—especially when it costs us something—speaks louder than efficiency ever could.