Mark 14:1-26
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Today’s encounter with Jesus has Jesus back in Bethany, not far from the Mount of Olives, and just two days before Passover. Outside of the teaching at the Last Supper, the final Passover Meal Jesus had with his followers, this is the last time in Matthew Jesus is once again able to tell us how to respond to Him and his love.
One of the things that stands out for me most is the response of the Disciples. They have shared life and learned at the feet of their Rabbi for 3 years. They have heard his teachings and watched as he healed and turned the 1st century world rules upside down. Yet, this unnamed woman comes in to where Jesus is and not only washes his feet (a beautiful act of hospitality) but anoints him with perfume. And the first thought these men have is the cost of her offering.
How like us they were! We see things that others choose to do with their money and resources, and we think of all the “better” things that could have been done with it. We don’t consider the heart and sacrifice behind people’s actions and offerings. We can know the Scriptures, be ready for Good Friday’s sadness and the celebration of Sunday, but still miss the call to see people’s hearts first.
There is always a back story to someone’s decisions. Let us look for the motivation first and the result or cost second. It may truly not be a wise choice, but if we look just at the surface, we’ll miss the big picture. Maybe, we’ll even miss the God moment.
Watch for the ways we can honour Him in deep and sacrificial ways. He wants us to give him all of our lives, not just the leftovers or the parts we won’t miss. What’s the perfume you have to bring to the Saviour today? Will you anoint him with it, concerned about the cost? The choice is yours, but only one choice will gain the pleasure of The King.
Joyfully Yours 