Have you ever walked into a room and immediately sensed something special in the air? Perhaps it was the scent of fresh flowers or a delicious meal cooking. In the same way, our lives can carry a unique aroma that reflects our relationship with Jesus. This idea of being a fragrant offering is beautifully illustrated in the story of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume during a dinner party in Bethany.

In John 12:3, we read how Mary took a pound of costly perfume made from pure nard and anointed Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. This act was not just a gesture of love; it was a profound declaration of devotion and sacrifice. The fragrance filled the house, symbolizing how our actions can fill the spaces we inhabit with the presence of Christ.

What Do You Smell Like?

This leads us to an important question: What do you smell like as a Christian? Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 that God leads us in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. As we go about our daily lives, our actions, words, and attitudes can either spread the fragrance of Christ or the scent of something far less appealing.

Think about your interactions this week. When you serve others, do they see Jesus in your actions? When you respond to challenges or conflicts, does your reaction reflect His love? The prayer is that people will see Jesus in the way you serve, interact, and even in how you respond when you feel offended.

The Cost of True Love

Mary’s act of anointing Jesus was costly and countercultural. In a time when women were expected to behave modestly, she broke societal norms, showing that her love for Jesus was worth any cost. This raises another question: Are we willing to give our best to God, even when it makes us uncomfortable? Warren Wiersbe puts it succinctly: “Love is not love if it nicely calculates the cost. It gives its all and its only regret is that it has not still more to give”.

When we consider our own lives, what are we holding back from God? Are there areas where we need to break free from our comfort zones and pour out our love for Him? Let’s remember that Jesus must always be the focus in everything we do—our families, our careers, and our relationships.

Filling Every Space with His Presence

As we move through our week, let’s strive to fill every space we enter with the sweet aroma of Jesus. Whether at work, home, or in our communities, we have the opportunity to reflect His love and grace. The goal is not just to speak about Jesus but to let His presence shine through us.

When people encounter us, may they “smell” the fragrance of Christ emanating from our lives. This can happen through simple acts of kindness, patience in difficult situations, or a genuine smile that brightens someone’s day.

A Life of Devotion

Ultimately, Mary’s act of devotion calls us to evaluate how we express our love for Jesus. Are we willing to be misunderstood or criticized for our faith? Mary faced judgment from Judas, who questioned the value of her sacrifice. Yet, she remained undeterred, knowing that her actions were a beautiful offering to her Savior.

Let’s embrace a life that reflects the love of Christ, one that is willing to sacrifice and serve without counting the cost. As we do so, we will not only fill our lives with the aroma of Christ but also invite others to experience the hope and joy that comes from knowing Him.



May our prayer be that every person we encounter this week will see Jesus in us, and may our lives be a sweet fragrance to God.