The story of “Mary shows her love” – “मैरी शोज़ हर लव” की कहानी
The story of “Mary Shows Her Love” is found in the New Testament, in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. This narrative highlights the deep devotion and love that Mary of Bethany has for Jesus, expressed through a profound act of worship.
The event takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. Jesus often visited Bethany, the home of Mary, her sister Martha, and their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. According to the Gospels, Jesus was dining at the house of Simon the Leper. This gathering occurred shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion, making the event even more poignant.
During the meal, Mary took a jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and anointed Jesus’ feet. In John’s Gospel, it is noted that she also wiped His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Mary’s actions broke several cultural norms of the time. She used an extravagant amount of costly perfume, and letting down her hair in public was considered inappropriate for a woman. However, her actions demonstrated her complete devotion and love for Jesus, disregarding societal expectations.
Some of the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, criticized Mary for what they saw as wastefulness. Judas argued that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. According to the Gospel of John, Judas’ concern was not genuine, as he was a thief and often stole from the money bag.
Jesus defended Mary, saying, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” Jesus’ words highlighted the significance of Mary’s act, recognizing it as a preparation for His impending death and burial.
Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume foreshadowed His death and burial. It was an act of honor and devotion, recognizing Jesus’ sacrificial love.
The story underscores the theme of extravagant worship. Mary’s willingness to use a costly item to honor Jesus illustrates the depth of her love and the value she placed on Him. Unlike the disciples who were concerned with practicality, Mary’s actions were motivated by a heartfelt devotion. Jesus’ acceptance and praise of her actions emphasize the importance of sincere, heartfelt worship over ritualistic or calculated gestures.
Mary’s act exemplifies unconditional love and devotion to Jesus, showing that true worship often involves personal sacrifice and breaking societal norms.
By anointing Jesus, Mary unknowingly prepared Him for His burial, acknowledging His impending sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Jesus’ defense of Mary highlights that sincere acts of worship and love are valued over material concerns or societal expectations.
This story of Mary anointing Jesus serves as a powerful example of love, sacrifice, and true worship, encouraging believers to express their devotion to Jesus wholeheartedly.
The story of “Mary shows her love” – “मैरी शोज़ हर लव” की कहानी
