What Jesus Does With Your Faith

“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet …” – John 12:3a NIV

I know what you’ve been doing.

Day in and day out, you walk upon the narrow road – determined to pass through the small gate too few find (Matthew 7:14).

Every morning you get up only to lay down your dreams, desires and your very self upon the fantastic promises of an Everlasting God.

It hasn’t been easy. There’s so much inside and out that works to upset, confuse, and devalue your choice to live this faith-filled life.

Some days you think you’re crazy as you give and let go beyond rational thought. Sometimes you stand alone. Sometimes you stand in open hostility. But the days go on and you take your licks. You endure the mocking and put up with those who laugh in your face and question your sanity.

You have chosen the way of faith.

Let me tell you what Jesus does with your faith.

One of the most beautiful and fragrant acts of faith is found in John 12. Jesus is, once again, at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus to share a meal in his honor. It’s six days until Passover, one day before Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and some time after he brought Lazarus back from the dead.

As Jesus reclined with his disciples and Lazarus (John 12:6), Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; and poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair (John 12:3).

Judas, the disciple who would later betray Jesus (John 12:4), objected to Mary’s extravagant display of her love-filled faith. He ridiculed her “wastefulness”, chastised her singular affection for Christ, and disparaged the ingenious way she chose to honor the Messiah.

But Jesus responds. Not only for Mary, but for all of us who chose the way of faith:

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7)

photo: Raye Wortel

Jesus defended Mary and he defends us.

Leave her alone, it was intended for Me.

Every faithful act we pour out at the feet of Jesus is intended for Him and he defends our affections towards him.

Jesus never condemns the cost or quantity of our faith-filled efforts.

He defends us against the Judas’ in our life who ridicule, chastise and disparage our faith – our believing love for our Savior, Creator, Redeemer and King.

So as you go along the narrow road – clinging to your faith and pouring out your affections to Christ, please know your Lord defends you always.

Leave her alone, her life is intended for Me.