Encountering Jesus: The Fragrance of Worship

Dear SEC Family,

Scents cause reactions.  Some are widely appreciated, like the odour of newly cut grass or certain flowers.  For others, the smell of the sea breeze holds memories of enjoyable times at the beach.  The scent of clean linen is popular, especially when it has been hanging on the washing line in the sunshine.  You may appreciate the smell of a favourite perfume or food such as freshly baked bread that reminds you of home.  Odours can certainly evoke mental associations, positive or negative.  They can also provide vital information, e.g., that food is still fresh or that something is toxic: stay away and do not eat!  When it comes to humankind, you may have come across corrupt or evil acts described as a ‘stench’, that someone’s attitude ‘stinks’, or particular behaviours and attitudes referred to as ‘sweet’.  Today, a passage of scripture comes to mind about a special act involving beautiful perfume that sent a message Jesus wanted to always be remembered.  Charles Schwab once observed that “personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower.”  As we continue this series on Biblical encounters with Jesus in no particular order, it is important to bear in mind that here Schwab’s insightful statement refers to a woman.  It appears she responded to the essence of who Jesus really was before the disciples even did.

There are accounts in all the gospels of a story that takes place shortly before Jesus is crucified.  We find Him as a guest in the house of Simon the Pharisee.  Yet Simon is not the only person here who encounters Jesus.  The other person is identified in John 11:1-2 as ‘Mary of Bethany’, the sister of Lazarus.  The story contrasts fascinating characteristics of the two: his indifference versus her love; her reverence versus his scorn; his self-righteousness and her worshipfulness; her gratitude and his pride; his ignorance with her self-awareness; her closeness to Jesus with his distance; his pomposity and her humility.  Of course, it is Mary whose action at this gathering Jesus commends, but it is interesting to note that traditionally she has been referred to in chapter headings simply as ‘The sinful woman.’  Simon feels that if Jesus is a holy man, He ought not to interact so closely with a woman like Mary (Luke 7:39), but whatever she has done (for her “many” sins (Luke 7:47) is not the focus of Jesus.  She has been going through life trying to walk a tightrope of shame while carrying the heavy weight of failed expectations.  All this in a culture where she, like other women in her situation, was shunned socially and judged harshly by acts known so publicly.  As we observe the encounters between Jesus and these individuals, lessons are apparent that have challenged countless readers since; we want Christ to be represented in our hearts, homes, churches and streets (SEC Inspired for Mission Strategy: p. 4).  Here are a few:

Firstly, if Jesus defended the rights of Mary, any person should find the love of Christ in our churches.  Mary has plenty of company.  The designation of ‘The Sinful Woman’ refers to a moral failing, but since the Fall in Eden, sin has been a part of the story of every member of the human family (Romans 3:23).  This means that, unlike Simon, we should all be able to identify with this position.  The story suggests that both individuals’ express gratitude.  Mary approaches Jesus with no water to wash His feet or a cloth to dry them, as they did to show hospitality at the time.  Instead, she proceeds to cry over His feet, dry them with her own hair and repeatedly kiss them (Luke 7:38).  On the other hand, Simon, described as “a leper” (Matthew 26:6) and now hosting a gathering, had probably been healed by Jesus.  Perhaps this is why Jesus is invited to the feast, but Simon’s reception is somewhat half-hearted because he has not made much effort for Jesus to feel welcome.  Unsavoury attitudes don't go unnoticed, especially by God.  Jesus also saw and appreciated Mary because of her beautiful act and because she was just the kind of person He came for (Luke 5:32).  For us, this means looking out for new individuals in our spaces and genuinely welcoming them with love and acceptance so they can meet Jesus.  It means forming ongoing relationships with them so they can experience belonging among His people.  As we reflected on last week, it means a healthy balance of love and truth.  I hope our churches will always reflect that when Jesus died for those in need of forgiveness and salvation, they were people just like Mary: just like us.  Rather than doing anything that might block anyone’s path to Christ, let’s be encouraging, advocate where needed, offering to walk beside them and keep the path as clear of obstacles as possible.

Secondly, in connection with this, having Christ in our Church circles means bravely putting aside everything that could distract us from knowing Jesus and experiencing His will.  Simon thinks Mary was unworthy but not himself, whereas she is under no illusions about herself and, having experienced so much forgiveness, she “loves much” (Luke 8:47).  Using her hair to wash Jesus’ feet means that if she is wearing a veil, it must be put aside to allow her hair to flow freely, so her behaviour breaches social expectations.  She doesn’t brave entering the spotlight for the sake of it.  Mary is a socially despised woman who touches the feet of Jesus Christ.  She is likely unaware that He and generations of believers will view her actions positively, so they aren’t motivated by praise or applause but by gratitude to Christ.  Functioning in ways out of the ordinary is part of the course for those who truly want to serve God.  Mary is also described as pouring fragrant oil on Jesus that is worth a year’s wages.  Imagine doing so today (a year’s salary is, on average, £39,039 according to the Office for National Statistics in 2025).  Unusual indeed!  And there are complaints about the cost (e.g., Matthew 28:8).  It shows we must never allow anything to prevent us from bringing ourselves or our best to the feet of Jesus Christ in heartfelt gratitude and service.  

Thirdly, Simon is a religious leader, but Mary, as a woman, didn’t have access to the religious training he had.  Yet, hers is the response that somehow reflects who Jesus is.  She is probably unaware of the significance of what she is doing, but Jesus honours her, describing her as sweet oil as preparing Him for death (e.g., Matthew 26:12), which most people were not expecting.  Yet Jesus points out that Simon has not greeted Him with one kiss or offered Him water to relieve and cleanse His feet, let alone anointing Him.  Perhaps this says that at times our activities and routines may not always be as focused on God and His will as we might think.  Simon doesn’t welcome Mary at all because of her past, which, in contrast with her behaviour, does not reflect the all-embracing, game-changing impact of the gospel.  Jesus’ response dispels any illusions that our professional background, eloquence, status, talents or any apparent advantages could mean anything we do does Jesus or His cause a favour.  Let’s not worry if we aren't perceived as powerful or popular.  The story shows it is not loud, proud efforts, but genuine gratitude, worship and love that are valuable in the sight of God.

Finally, the fragrance of Mary’s actions, like her strong oil, moved farther than anticipated, silently spreading all around and continuing to speak powerfully.  What began as a simple act of devotion became a testimony that has inspired believers for generations.  May worship and service like this rise from among us and be noted in heaven as a sweet offering to God.

Congratulations to Area 5 for hosting a wonderful day of fellowship. We give God praise for the 7 baptisms at the Brixton Adventist Church at the end of a powerful week of revival. Let us continue to be INSPIRED FOR MISSION!