Jesus Anointed with Perfume
March 15, 2020
Commentary
Two days before the Passover, the chief priests and scribes were seeking how they might take Jesus by craft and put Him to death (v. 1). The city was filled with people who had come to Jerusalem for the feast. Because many admired Jesus, the leaders feared the people and said, “Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people” (v. 2). They carefully watched His movements and discussed their plans in secret meetings, waiting for the right moment to act without causing public disturbance or resistance. Though they planned in secret, God’s purpose was still moving forward, showing that no human plan can stop His divine will and perfect timing, even when opposition seems strong and overwhelming around them. Their fear of people revealed hearts more concerned with control than truth.
At that time, Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper (vv. 3–9). While He sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster box of very precious ointment. She broke the box and poured it on His head. Some criticized her, saying it was a waste and could have been sold to help the poor. But Jesus defended her and said, “She hath wrought a good work on me…she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (vv. 6, 8). Jesus recognized the sincerity of her heart and the depth of her sacrifice, valuing her act of love above human judgment and misunderstanding. Her act showed love, devotion, and understanding of who Jesus truly was, reminding us that true worship often requires sacrifice, courage and a heart fully surrendered to Him, even when others do not understand our actions or motives. Her offering was not wasted, remember that what is given to Jesus in love always has lasting value and eternal significance.
Application
Do I honor Jesus with my best or hold back? Am I more concerned about people’s opinions or about true devotion? Is there something I can offer Him today in love and faith, even if others do not understand? What step of obedience can I take right now? I’ll give to God what is in my hand, time, heart, and worship Him freely.
Mark 14:1–9 (NET)
1 Two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the chief priests and the experts in the law were trying to find a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 2 For they said, “Not during the feast, so there won’t be a riot among the people.”
3 Now while Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of costly aromatic oil from pure nard. After breaking open the jar, she poured it on his head. 4 But some who were present indignantly said to one another, “Why this waste of expensive ointment? 5 It could have been sold for more than 300 silver coins and the money given to the poor!” So they spoke angrily to her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a good service for me. 7 For you will always have the poor with you, and you can do good for them whenever you want. But you will not always have me! 8 She did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
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