The chief priests and elders gather to plot. They want Jesus gone. They want Him dead. But even as these men conspire to take from Jesus—His influence, His very life—a woman prepares to give.
Mary comes to Jesus with a rare jar of fragrant oil. It’s worth over a year’s wages and is meant to prepare the dead for burial. Everyone knows this. That’s why it’s so shocking when she breaks the precious jar and pours its contents onto a very alive Jesus.
6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:6–13)
When has the Holy Spirit stirred in your heart and caused you to act in an unexpected or surprising way?
The chief priests and elders aren’t the only ones scheming to take something from Jesus. One of His own disciples is taking money that is meant for ministry. When Judas objects to Mary’s sacrifice of so great a treasure, it’s not really on behalf of the poor. He wants the treasure for himself (John 12:6). His greedy eyes can’t see it for the beautiful gift it is. And his dark intent makes Mary’s offering shine even brighter.
Jesus, always teaching, puts Mary’s act into perspective for His disciples. While they may see waste or misuse, Jesus sees a sacrifice that will help prepare His body as He goes to make the ultimate sacrifice: laying down His life for us. And her gift to Jesus will continue to be known whenever the gospel—the story of the greatest gift—is told.
Lord Jesus, You gave Your life for me. You died on the cross because of my sins. Thank You. Show me how to give generously, like Mary, to You. You gave everything. And I want to give, too. Amen.
