Mark 14:3-9 This is the story of a woman who anointed Jesus. I believe this woman may have been Mary, the sister of Lazarus, based on the cross reference in John 12, but that's a study for another time.
This woman brought an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. Now, this jar was extremely valuable. Alabaster was considered a luxury item. Then the perfume inside was a rare perfume worth roughly a year's wages. This woman gave her most valued possession to Jesus. That kind of gift can only come out of a deep love and devotion.
What is my most valuable "possession?" I'm using the word possession loosely, to include items like time, money, talents, etc, not just things. What is most valuable to me may not necessarily be an object. A question came to mind as I was reading through this. Do I love Jesus enough to willingly give Him what is most valuable to me or do I just give Him my leftovers? If I answered honestly, I'd have to say I don't always give Him the most valuable. I'm often selfish with what I consider "valuable."
After this woman anointed Jesus, some of the disciples, more specifically, I believe Judas (if you go to John 12), got upset. The NIV uses the word "indignant." The reason they were angry was because, in their minds, this anointing was a waste. They felt it could have been sold and the money could have been used for the poor. If you read in John 12, John notes that Judas said this because he was "keeper of the money bag" and wanted to take some of that money for himself. After reading this, a disturbing thought came to mind. Are there times when I mask the wrong intent with what is considered "good" for selfish gain? In other words, are there times when my motive is wrong in doing "good" so that I can gain something for myself? I find myself joining David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart....see if there is any offensive way in me..."
The more love I have for Christ, the more willing I'll be to give Him my best and act with the right motives in my heart.
This woman brought an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. Now, this jar was extremely valuable. Alabaster was considered a luxury item. Then the perfume inside was a rare perfume worth roughly a year's wages. This woman gave her most valued possession to Jesus. That kind of gift can only come out of a deep love and devotion.
What is my most valuable "possession?" I'm using the word possession loosely, to include items like time, money, talents, etc, not just things. What is most valuable to me may not necessarily be an object. A question came to mind as I was reading through this. Do I love Jesus enough to willingly give Him what is most valuable to me or do I just give Him my leftovers? If I answered honestly, I'd have to say I don't always give Him the most valuable. I'm often selfish with what I consider "valuable."
After this woman anointed Jesus, some of the disciples, more specifically, I believe Judas (if you go to John 12), got upset. The NIV uses the word "indignant." The reason they were angry was because, in their minds, this anointing was a waste. They felt it could have been sold and the money could have been used for the poor. If you read in John 12, John notes that Judas said this because he was "keeper of the money bag" and wanted to take some of that money for himself. After reading this, a disturbing thought came to mind. Are there times when I mask the wrong intent with what is considered "good" for selfish gain? In other words, are there times when my motive is wrong in doing "good" so that I can gain something for myself? I find myself joining David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart....see if there is any offensive way in me..."
The more love I have for Christ, the more willing I'll be to give Him my best and act with the right motives in my heart.
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