“For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She has done a good work on me. 7. For you have the poor with you always, and whensoever you will you may do them good: but me you have not always. 8. She has done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to be buried. 9. Verily I say unto you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the whole world, this also shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”
While Jesus was in the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, a woman came and anointed Him with an expensive ointment. Jesus’ disciples thought that this was too extravagant, for she could have sold that ointment for a year’s wages and given it to the poor. Our text is Jesus’ answer to them. I want to share with you what I saw in this elaborate gift. It was an act of love for Jesus. In his account of this incident, John called the woman Mary, sister of Lazarus. She knew Jesus well, and knew His purpose on a level deeper than possibly even His disciples. The elaborate gift was an extravagant declaration of her love for Jesus. It was an act of sacrifice for Jesus. I mentioned above that the ointment would be worth a year’s wages. I don’t know the amount in dollars, but it was extravagant and was costly for Mary and her family. Do we sacrifice in our giving for Jesus? More importantly, do we give of ourselves extravagantly for Him? Do we love Jesus enough to sacrifice time, talent and money for Him and for His work around the world? These are good questions and demand an answer. It was an act of worship and devotion to Jesus. In Luke 10:38-42, Mary sat at Jesus feet when He visited their home while Martha hurried with preparations for Jesus’ meal. In verses 41-42, Jesus told Martha: “Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” This anointing was a continuation of Mary’s devotion and worship for Jesus. We need to spend some time in worship and devotion for Jesus in private and public worship. What is written above is what I saw in Mary’s elaborate gift. I hope that it has been valuable for you in your commitment to Jesus. Bro. Joe
1 Comment
Linda Brooks
12/1/2016 09:02:35 pm
Extravagant GIFT, indeed. !!!!!! Praying for a safe, happy trip. Give Chad my BEST WISHES.....HE is A FINE YOUNG MAN !!!!!
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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