In Memory

In Mark 14:3-9, we see a woman coming into a house where Jesus is at, who the Gospel of John tells us is Mary. She brings with her an alabaster jar, probably a family heirloom, filled with nard, a rare and expensive perfume which grows in the foothills of the Himalayas. She takes this and pours it on Jesus' head. Some watchers criticize her but Jesus tells them to leave her alone, that she did a beautiful thing with what she had. Jesus then adds that this story will be told all over the world in memory of her! Jesus includes her in His story!

This invitation is open to you and I, if we are willing to give our most precious gifts to him and submit despite what opposition may say. What an encouragement!

Jesus says five things which shows this is an extremely valuable act. First he says, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." The beauty of it lay in its very extravagance. This woman did not spare any  ointment but broke the jar and poured it all out on him.

Second, he said that it was a timely thing she had done. "It was something that could only be done now. Anytime you want to do good to the poor you can, because they are always around." There are opportunities which come in our life which must be seized at the moment; as they never happen again. 

Third, she did what she could. It was all that was open to her. She could not make him a meal; there was no time for that. She could not make new sandals for him; there was no time for that. She did what she knew how to do, using her gift.

Fourthly, the offering was insightful. Jesus says, "She has anointed my body beforehand for burying." It is interesting to go through the Gospel accounts and see how many times Jesus said to the disciples that he was going to die. Not one of them believed him -- except Mary of Bethany. She believed him, and understood that he was here for that purpose. This is what motivated her. She understood that he was heading for burial and Jesus knew that.  There is nothing more comforting to us than to be understood in what we are trying to do for Jesus.

Finally, what she did was deserving of being remembered. Jesus said, "The story of this beautiful act will be told in memory of her wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world." Here we are 2000 years later, fulfilling this very word, telling again of the act of Mary of Bethany, when she anointed our Lord's head and feet. These elements constitute what Jesus called, "the beautiful thing she has done to me."

Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Third Day - My Offering: