Extravagance

John 12:1- Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair.


Mary had been complimented by Jesus before when she sat at his feet to listen and learn while sister Martha ran around frantically trying to prepare everything for her guests. This time she used costly oils to annoint the feet of Jesus. Mary's response to Jesus was always extravagant, especially for a woman in those times. She was criticized in both situations by someone, but in both circumstances jesus praised her. It appears extravagant care and attention to Jesus are not to be discouraged. 


I don't think it is hard even in this day and age to be criticized for being to extravagant. Raise your hands to God, extravagant, say praise the Lord, extravagant, a fanatic is always in the eyes of the beholder. I would not call those who judge the extravagance of other in worship and belief Judas, but I wonder which of the individuals Jesus would be defending. I'd rather be Mary like than Judas like any day, how about you?