As someone who loves beautiful fragrances, I find joy in the aroma of good food and freshly baked goods. I delight in nature walks, breathing in the scent of trees, flowers, and even fresh-cut grass. Fragrance is a gift—perceived through our olfactory system—and throughout history, aromatherapy and essential oils have been used to bring healing to sick bodies, worried minds, and stressed emotions.
As we continue our Lenten journey to the cross with Jesus, we pause this Wednesday to recline at a dinner table in Bethany. Jesus is among friends, His body at rest, surrounded by the quiet comfort of love. Then, in a profound act of devotion, Mary—the sister of Lazarus—breaks open an alabaster jar of spikenard, a costly and treasured perfume, and its fragrance fills the entire house (John 12:3).
Spikenard, an ancient oil known for its medicinal and aromatic value, was precious beyond measure. Judas saw Mary’s offering as wasteful, but Mary was not concerned with cost—she was compelled by love. She gave her very best to the Lord as her worship.
Jesus defended her, knowing what lay ahead. He understood that in the coming hours of suffering—the false accusations, the arrest, the scourging, the mocking, and the crucifixion—the fragrance of that moment would linger. It would remain on His skin as a reminder of love—love that sent Him, love that sustained Him, love that would save the world. The fragrance of Mary’s worship clung to Him.
Because of Christ’s love, our lives now carry His fragrance. Yet just as not everyone appreciates certain scents, not everyone welcomes the aroma of Christ in His followers. What is pleasing to the Father is offensive to the world, because it proclaims victory over sin and death.
2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT) “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.”
When our lives are fully devoted to God, the Father delights in the fragrance of Jesus upon us. And wherever we go, that fragrance fills the atmosphere—sometimes drawing others in, sometimes stirring resistance—but always carrying the power of His presence.
Take a moment now. Sit still. Place yourself at that table with Jesus. Watch Mary pour out her offering. Breathe in the fragrance—not just of perfume, but of forgiveness, surrender, and redeeming love. So precious…so needed…so healing.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the strength and courage You showed in laying down Your life so that You might live in us. Thank You for covering us with the sweet fragrance of Your righteousness. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for the love You have demonstrated and the grace that continues to heal us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.