Matthew. 26:6-13, John 12:1-8, Mark 3:3-9

Distracting dinner, an alabaster box of ointment arrives through the door. Immediately, disgusting attitudes merge with the aroma of Martha’s meal. All because of an anointing. Mary doesn’t stop; she pours precious perfume on the Savior. Maybe it wasn’t approved by the board of disciples, but she did it her way, within her means and heart.

What a peculiar supper. Not a typical day in American homes. A once dead man, Lazarus, sits waiting to be served. Onlookers come just to gawk at the guy whom Jesus called out of a tomb. How about the host? He is known for his sickness. The label of leper is still attached to his name. Its stigma was probably better than suffering alone. Perhaps it was a cause for celebration to have the healer in his house. And then there is the thief, a pretender, hanging around his neck was a rope, tying his mind to money. His purpose in attending was indulged with greed. Little did he know, the coins hiding in his bag would cost him salvation. Loving money over Jesus was cause for the criticism, disrupting a peaceful meal.

Critical minds ruin the moment. Martha didn’t appear disheveled as she served, but Jesus was. He speaks but a few words. “Let her alone” Jn. 12:7. In other words, mind your own business. Being in the presence of Jesus moves hearts to respond in different ways. One pours oil, another will be healed while a dead man walks away from his grave. Perplexing to the crowds, outside looking in, but precious to those who sup with their Savior. Observers, the critical, the thieves, the ones who miss their miracle, can’t see the anointed Savior sitting in their supper.

Let her alone, Jesus defends his own, a woman who finds a place, not with her critics, but joins the anointing with Christ Jesus.