Botanicals of the Bible - Spikenard

Botanicals of the Bible--Spikenard
By Jenny Komenda

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
Mark 14:3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the Gospels, one of the most tender and reverent acts of worship is expressed through a jar of spikenard. Just days before the Savior’s crucifixion, a woman (identified by John as Mary of Bethany) came to Jesus with “an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious,” and then broke the box, anointing the Savior’s head. John records that, following the act, “the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.”

Spikenard, derived from the root of a plant native to the Himalayas, was imported at great cost in ancient times. It produced a rich, earthy fragrance and was used in sacred rituals and royal anointings. Spikenard had a unique aroma, the presence of which was an indication that the very best had been offered. Its use symbolized deep love, reverence, and costly devotion.

The anointing of Jesus with spikenard foreshadowed His death and burial, but it also revealed Mary’s understanding of who He truly was—the Messiah. Her worship was personal, sacrificial, and without reservation. Gordon B. Hinckley once observed, “without sacrifice there is no true worship of God.”

Like Mary, we are invited to bring our best to the Savior—not just things of material worth, but our spiritual best, as well. Spikenard reminds us that worship is costly—but well worth the price. When we break open our hearts in humble offering, the fragrance of that gift can fill not just a room, but a life.

Let us not hold back our devotion. As spikenard was poured out by Mary in love, so may our worship be poured out for Him who gave His all for us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~