So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.—John 12:2,3

We sing with joy my life anew with psalms,
With harp and lyre, with wine and simple fare.
The scent of nard intoxicates, embalms,
As Mary smears perfume upon her hair.
Then Shiloh settles, breathes a heavy sigh—
The breath which rules all things alive and dead.
Two types of life He gives before we die:
The faithful fear His might but never dread;
But hearts of stone and doom all fear demise.
So Judas counts pure nard his spoil to cheat,
To feed the poor, but Christ reveals all lies,
The least of which, the kiss of death’s deceit.
Henceforth, He alters lawful covenant;
Implants new limbs and saves Israel’s remnant.

— D. B. Lindsey

© 15 June 2011

And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him.—Matthew 26:49