On That Beautiful Thing

Mark 14:3-9 Phillips Jesus himself was now in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper. As he was sitting at table, a woman approached him with an alabaster flask of very costly spikenard perfume. She broke the neck of the flask and poured the perfume on Jesus’ head. Some of those present were highly indignant and muttered, “What is the point of such wicked waste of perfume? It could have been sold for over thirty pounds and the money could have been given to the poor.” And there was a murmur of resentment against her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone, why must you make her feel uncomfortable? She has done a beautiful thing for me. You have the poor with you always and you can do good to them whenever you like, but you will not always have me. She has done all she could—for she has anointed my body in preparation for burial. I assure you that wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the whole world, this deed of hers will also be recounted, as her memorial to me.”

Observation

We are just a few days before the crucifixion.  The religious leaders are actively plotting to murder Jesus because He is breaking the rules.  He is not breaking the Law of Moses, but He is challenging the mountain of man-made rules that have created an insurmountable barrier to Heaven for the poor and afflicted.  Jesus’ teaching threatens both the status pedestal of the Pharisees and the Temple profits of the Sadducees.  He must go!

So, we find Jesus at a friend’s house sitting at table.  All of a sudden, a woman (never identified) comes up to anoint Him with some very expensive perfumed oil.  It is interesting to me that this caused such indignation and resentment.  The perfume was hers to give and use as she wished.  Because of Jesus’ response – “She has done a beautiful thing for me.” – He recognized the act as worth the cost.  Was Jesus pointing the finger back at the accusers to have them examine how much they spent on luxury rather than the poor?  Was He again making a point about seeking God’s perspective rather than jumping to criticism or conclusions (trying to prepare them for the shock of the Cross)?  Was He again trying to express that following Him could be costly?

Impact on Me

He is in the home of Simon “the leper” (presumably healed by Jesus or no one would come to his home).  We don’t know who else is there, but can assume that at least His disciples are present.  However, I note that neither the woman nor the accusers are identified by name.  In doing so, the Gospel writer leaves it open to be any one of his time or ours.  Would I be the woman pouring out my very best to worship Him or be one who is jealous or critical of someone else’s worship?

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” [Matthew 5:16].  Because she is nameless, she allows all the glory, all the praise, all the credit, to go to God – where it belongs.  As a vessel or instrument, I can provide an invaluable and irreplaceable contribution, but I am neither responsible for the plan or the results nor will I always understand how my simple obedience may fulfill His will and purpose.  A guitar does not write the music but allows for it to be heard.  It is the fingers and skill of the musician that makes the notes sing.  I want to be an instrument in the Redeemer’s hand.

Prayer

Lord God, My Redeemer, The Lamb of God, I humbly submit to follow You even when I am confused and confounded.  I want to do that “beautiful thing.” Lord, let Your light so shine that only You are remembered when the testimonies are shared.  I want Jesus to be what is remembered when people think of me.  I want my memorial to be not a list of accomplishments but rather that Jesus was evident in all I did.  I want others to know that Jesus is in my hugs.  I want them to remember that Jesus met them and forget who spoke or what was done by me.  When someone is lost in the dark, they don’t care whether the light comes as a lantern or a candle or a searchlight.  They are just grateful for the rescue.  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.