John 12:2–3

In these verses, we have Christs entertainment at Bethany; A supper is made for him, at which Martha served, and Lazarus sate with him, but Mary anoints Christ with precious ointments. This supper was made for him in the house of one Simon a leper, (who, it seems, had been cured by Christ) as may be gathered from, Matth. 26.6, 7. where Maries deed is recorded, but her name suppressed, and it seems Lazarus and his sisters have been invited also. As for this practice of Mary, I shall leave what was extraordinary in it, till it’s own place, ver. 7. Only, it being the custome in these countries to anoint their guests, and wash their feet at feasts, Luk. 7.44, 46. she, out of her great love, will do it with great charge and expence. And whereas here it is said, she anointed his feet, and the rest say it was his head, Matth 26.7. we are to understand that she did anoint both, though she only wiped his feet: and breaking the boxe and powring it on his head, Mark. 14.3. it seems the copiousnesse thereof made it run from his head to his feet. Doctrine 1. As temporal things are due unto Christ and his Ministers, who sow spiritual things, 2 Cor. 9.11. So they who have participate of his bounty, will make him very welcome; for, there they made him a supper. 2. Albeit it be the great sin of men to pamper their own bodies, and make provision for the flesh; Yet it is not unlawful, at some times to enjoy the liberal use of the creatures, in a sober manner; for, Christ doth not decline this supper. Sometimes he went into the feasts of Pharisees, Luk. 7.36. sometime with Publicans, Matth 9.10. &c. and 11.19. not for their sare, but that he might gain them; as love is a very gaining way. And here he feasts with his friends that they may be refreshed together. 3. As for Martha’s serving, albeit she was reproved for this at another time, Luk. 10.38, 39, 40, 41, 42. not simply for her serving Christ that way, but comparatively, and when it crossed better duties; Yet now when it interrupts no better duty, her care was commendable, that she would serve, though the house was not her own. And it teacheth, That when Christ is dear to any, they will not disdain to stoop to do meanest service to him, or his for his sake; as Martha served here. 4. As Christs miracles are true and real, and not lying wonders; So the memory of his wonderful works are not to be forgotten, nor ought to wear out with length of time; for, both these ends it is marked, that Lazarus was one of them that sate at table with him, both to confirme the truth of his resurrection, as Mark. 5.43. Luke 24.41, 42, 43. Acts 10.41. and to keep us in minde of that wonderful work, that he who was once in his grave should now be eating. 5. According as men abound in love to Christ, they will bring forth evidences thereof, in serving of him; As here Mary outstrips them all. 6. Love to Christ is ingenious to finde out a way to evidence it selfe; and when all are busie, it will finde some work that is undone, to be done to him and for him; for, when some are preparing the supper, Martha is serving, and Lazarus entertaining him at Table, Mary findes out this, to anoint his feet. 7. Love is very prodigal (so to say) and will spare no expences on Christ; for, she took a pound of very costly Spikenard to do this, of the worth whereof, see ver. 5. 8. True love is still accompanied with humility and reverence to Christ, and when it doth most to Christ, it keeps a man still humble; for, when she had done all this, she wiped his feet with her haire, either to make them clean before the ointment came upon them, or to wipe off the ointment after it had suppled his feet. 9. As the fruits of love will not hide, so they have a fragrant smell; for, so much may be gathered, by allusion from this, that the house was filled with the odour of the ointment, and so the matter came to be known, which occasioned the subsequent quarrelling.