Mark 14:3-9
Mary of Bethany, who was also sister to Martha and Lazarus, came to visit Jesus in the house of Simon the leper during a stop by the Master in her village. She brought with her an alabaster box of ointment, containing precious spikenard, which was the head of an East Indian plant whose juice was used in the most expensive of ointments. The use of this ointment was traditionally to refresh and exhilarate; much needed things in the close, heated quarters of the Middle East.
Though Mark tells us that “some…had indignation within themselves”, John’s version of the story tells us that there was one spokesman for the indignant: Judas Iscariot (John 12:4). The very one who will soon betray Jesus speaks out so boldly against an obvious act of worship. He is an example of many within the church world today who follows Jesus from a distance; close in proximity to church services but far away in their hearts.
Too many times we view things which speak of His loveliness and His glory as being “wasteful”, while other things that can put on more of a show are applauded. There is never fault to be found with people resting at the feet of Jesus, basking in His love for them.
Jesus reveals the true purpose behind Mary’s worship in verse 8, telling us that she was anointing Him for His burial. There was a tradition in that part of the world of entering into the burial tomb several days after the death to anoint the body with fragrances, prolonging the stench of decay. This is precisely what another Mary was intent upon doing on Resurrection Morning when she noticed that His tomb was empty (John 20:11). Mary of Bethany believes that Jesus will rise again, thus His body will not be in the tomb to be anointed. She wants an opportunity to anoint Him, so she knows that it must be done before His death, for afterwards it will be too late. What revelation she has! Though His own disciples walk and talk with Him every day, they are caught off guard when His tomb is found empty (John 20:9).
This act of worship by Mary has entered the pages of human history, and Jesus promised that it would do so as a memorial to her (Mark 14:9). Every time that we read this story, we are struck by the faith of a woman who would have been considered on the fringe of the life of Jesus. She listened intently at His feet while her sister labored in the kitchen; but Jesus said what she did was “needful” (Luke 10:42). She was at the tomb of her brother Lazarus, and heard Jesus say to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Her faith had grown as she listened to His words; oh that our faith would do the same!
You and I may not be able to sit at the physical feet of Jesus and we may not have the means to purchase the most expensive of gifts; but neither of these things provide security anyhow (Judas sat close, and look at him!). We have something better; we have Christ in us as the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We are a sweet smelling savor to God, and as His children, we are the most expensive ointment in the universe. Take a moment today and give Him glory, and may it be a memorial to who you are in Jesus for all of time.
Mary of Bethany, who was also sister to Martha and Lazarus, came to visit Jesus in the house of Simon the leper during a stop by the Master in her village. She brought with her an alabaster box of ointment, containing precious spikenard, which was the head of an East Indian plant whose juice was used in the most expensive of ointments. The use of this ointment was traditionally to refresh and exhilarate; much needed things in the close, heated quarters of the Middle East.
Though Mark tells us that “some…had indignation within themselves”, John’s version of the story tells us that there was one spokesman for the indignant: Judas Iscariot (John 12:4). The very one who will soon betray Jesus speaks out so boldly against an obvious act of worship. He is an example of many within the church world today who follows Jesus from a distance; close in proximity to church services but far away in their hearts.
Too many times we view things which speak of His loveliness and His glory as being “wasteful”, while other things that can put on more of a show are applauded. There is never fault to be found with people resting at the feet of Jesus, basking in His love for them.
Jesus reveals the true purpose behind Mary’s worship in verse 8, telling us that she was anointing Him for His burial. There was a tradition in that part of the world of entering into the burial tomb several days after the death to anoint the body with fragrances, prolonging the stench of decay. This is precisely what another Mary was intent upon doing on Resurrection Morning when she noticed that His tomb was empty (John 20:11). Mary of Bethany believes that Jesus will rise again, thus His body will not be in the tomb to be anointed. She wants an opportunity to anoint Him, so she knows that it must be done before His death, for afterwards it will be too late. What revelation she has! Though His own disciples walk and talk with Him every day, they are caught off guard when His tomb is found empty (John 20:9).
This act of worship by Mary has entered the pages of human history, and Jesus promised that it would do so as a memorial to her (Mark 14:9). Every time that we read this story, we are struck by the faith of a woman who would have been considered on the fringe of the life of Jesus. She listened intently at His feet while her sister labored in the kitchen; but Jesus said what she did was “needful” (Luke 10:42). She was at the tomb of her brother Lazarus, and heard Jesus say to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Her faith had grown as she listened to His words; oh that our faith would do the same!
You and I may not be able to sit at the physical feet of Jesus and we may not have the means to purchase the most expensive of gifts; but neither of these things provide security anyhow (Judas sat close, and look at him!). We have something better; we have Christ in us as the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We are a sweet smelling savor to God, and as His children, we are the most expensive ointment in the universe. Take a moment today and give Him glory, and may it be a memorial to who you are in Jesus for all of time.
