no turning back
"Mary brought a pound of costly perfume made from genuine aromatic nard, with which she anointed Jesus' feet. Then she dried His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the ointment's fragrance." —John 12:3
Mary was familiar with Judas from other times that Jesus and His disciples had visited their house (see Lk 10:38-42; Jn 11:1ff). Her jar of perfumed oil was expensive, and she probably wasn't surprised that Judas knew its cost, roughly a year's salary (see Jn 12:5). So this time, when Mary was moved to give lavishly to Jesus, she broke the jar that contained the perfume (see Mk 14:3). Once she broke that jar, there was no turning back, no skimping. The breaking of the jar meant that the perfume could not be preserved; she intentionally decided to give it all to Jesus.
Perhaps Mary believed Judas was either stealing or misusing the money deposited in the "contributions." After all, Mary would have known the apostles well. Undoubtedly Mary wanted to give the perfume entirely to Jesus, not indirectly to Judas by selling it and donating the money. By breaking the jar, Mary could ensure that it did go to Jesus. Once the jar was broken, no one could reverse or overrule her decision to give it all to Jesus.
Be like Mary. Give your all to Jesus. Put yourself in a situation where there is no turning back from giving all to Jesus.
Prayer: Father, You know how I am tempted to hold back when it comes to You. From now on, may I be willing to break any jars necessary and follow You without turning back.
Promise: "The Lord...gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk on [the earth]." —Is 42:5
Praise: Warren met Jesus inside his jail cell. Though still in prison, Jesus has set Warren free (Jn 8:36).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching, order our tape Developing A Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 30, 2013
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