John 12:3

Then took Mary. pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly.

Spikenard, from which the ointment was, made, was an aromatic herb of the valerian family. It was imported from an early age from Arabia, India, and the Far East. It was the costliest anointing oil of antiquity, and was sold throughout the Roman Empire, where it fetched. price that put it beyond any but the wealthy. Mary had bought. vase or flask of it containing twelve ounces.

And anointed the feet of Jesus.

We learn from the other accounts some additional facts. The ointment was contained in an alabaster vase which she broke. It was all for Christ. Nothing was kept back. She anointed first his head, and then his feet. She came up behind as he reclined at table and poured it on his head, and then stooped down to his feet. It must be borne in mind that the Jews did not sit but reclined at table with their feet extended behind. The anointing of the head was also. distinction which was conferred upon the guest of honor (Luke 7:46),--not only among the Jews, but generally in the East, and among the ancients. In connection with the anointing of the head, was the washing of the feet with water. Thus it was an elevation of the custom to the highest point of honor when the head and the feet were alike anointed with oil.

Wiped his feet with her hair.

The same is said of "a woman that was. sinner" (Luke 7:37). That occurrence took place in Galilee and is. different incident. That woman washed his feet with her tears of sorrow; those of Mary were tears of gratitude.

The house was filled with the odor.

The ointments were very fragrant. Perhaps the rich perfume was the first intimation to many of what had been done. Service to Christ is full of fragrance to all within reach of its influence.