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John 12:7 (BSB)
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.” — John 12:7
In this moment, Jesus passionately defends a woman who has just poured expensive perfume on him, marking an act of deep love and devotion. He tells those around him to back off, emphasizing that her gesture is significant and should be respected. It’s like he’s saying, 'This is special, let her express her love for me in her own way.' You can almost feel the tension in the air, the surprise, and the intensity of the moment. Jesus is highlighting the importance of honoring acts of love, especially when they come from the heart.
This account was written by John, one of Jesus' closest friends and followers. John had a unique perspective because he was there, witnessing these moments firsthand. He included this detail to show how Jesus valued personal acts of love and how he stood up for those who showed it, giving readers a powerful snapshot of Jesus’ character and his mission. John wanted us to see that even in the simplest gestures, there is deep significance when it comes to love and sacrifice.
At the time this was written, the world was buzzing with political tension, and Jewish culture was steeped in tradition. Jesus was nearing the end of his life, and the atmosphere was charged with both hope and anxiety. People were looking for a leader, someone to save them, and here was Jesus, fully aware of what was coming. This timing is crucial because it gives weight to the perfume incident—a beautiful act of love right before a heartbreaking moment, showing how love and sacrifice often go hand in hand.
This verse matters today because it reminds you of the power of love and how important it is to express it. It challenges you to reflect on your actions and how you show appreciation to others. In a world that often prioritizes practicality over emotion, this moment encourages you to embrace the beauty of heartfelt gestures, no matter how small. It’s a reminder that love can take many forms, and every act of kindness holds weight, especially in times of uncertainty.
Take a moment this week to express your love or appreciation to someone in a way that’s meaningful to you. It could be writing a heartfelt note, giving a thoughtful gift, or simply spending quality time with someone you care about. Let your actions speak of your affection, just like the woman with the perfume. Remember, it’s not about the cost but the heart behind it. Make it personal and don’t hold back!
This verse is a powerful moment in a larger story. Just before this, there’s a dinner party where Jesus is being celebrated, and the atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation. After this moment, Jesus goes on to talk about his coming death, making this act of love even more poignant. It’s like a foreshadowing of what’s to come. This moment advances the narrative by showing how deeply he values genuine expressions of love and devotion, even when others might not understand their importance.
How can you express love in a way that feels genuine to you, just like the woman in this moment? What does that look like in your life right now?
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