John 12:1–10 Devotional - The Fragrance of Devotion 💝

💝 John 12:1–10 Devotional – The Fragrance of Devotion

📖 Full Scripture (NIV)

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,

5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages."

6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.

8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,

🙏 1. Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, teach me what it means to offer You my very best. May my heart, like Mary's, be filled with love and devotion, regardless of what others think. Amen.

🔁 2. Repeated Words or Phrases

"Perfume" / "Fragrance" – verse 3
"Raised from the dead" – verses 1, 9
"Poor" – verses 5, 8
"Kill Lazarus" – verse 10

🧭 3. Theme

True love for Jesus is extravagant and costly—its fragrance fills the room, even in the face of betrayal and opposition.

🕊️ 4. Observing God

Jesus is honored with a meal and surrounded by those He has touched (v.2).
He receives Mary’s worship and defends her against criticism (v.7).
He foreshadows His burial, showing He is fully aware of what is coming (v.7).
Jesus accepts love over logic and devotion over calculation (v.8).

🧍 5. Observing Humans

Mary pours out an expensive gift without hesitation (v.3).
Martha serves, faithful in her way (v.2).
Judas criticizes but hides his greed behind false compassion (vv.4–6).
The crowd seeks Jesus and Lazarus, drawn by resurrection power (v.9).
Religious leaders seek to kill both Jesus and Lazarus to stop the movement (v.10).

✝️ 6. Interpreting God

Jesus is worthy of our most costly gifts—not because He needs them, but because love demands expression. He receives worship from a sincere heart, even when others scorn it. His awareness of the cross doesn’t make Him pull away from intimacy; it draws Him closer to those who love Him. Jesus treasures every act of faith and devotion.

👥 7. Interpreting Humanity

Mary gives without reserve. Judas pretends to care but lives in secret betrayal. The religious leaders, confronted by resurrection, respond not with worship but with plots. Human hearts are revealed in the presence of Jesus—whether in awe, greed, or hatred. Our true values emerge when Jesus is honored.

🪞 8. Personal Application

Am I like Mary—willing to pour out what’s precious because Jesus is worthy? Or like Judas—concerned with appearance and control? Today, I choose to honor Jesus with what matters most to me. I will not withhold my devotion, even if others do not understand it.

💓 9. Spiritual Touch

"And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." (John 12:3)
— Devotion has a fragrance. When we pour ourselves out for Jesus, it changes the atmosphere around us.

🙌 10. Prayer of Faith, Repentance & Thanksgiving

Jesus, receive my offering today—not just things, but my heart. Forgive me for the times I’ve held back my worship. Like Mary, let me love You with abandon. Fill my life with the fragrance of Your presence. Amen.

🌿 11. Meditate Throughout the Day

"You will not always have me." (John 12:8)
Let this reminder inspire you to treasure Jesus today—not someday. Now is the time to pour out your love.