So too Jesus’ body was broken, His precious blood poured out. Consider: Mary’s alabaster jar was broken and its precious contents poured out. In other words, it’s not that the actual story of Mary’s anointing of Jesus would be told with the preaching of the gospel, but that the anointing at Bethany is the gospel. Ever.Īs I pondered these things, I wondered if I was thinking too literally. Or, I should say, worked into any evangelistic messages I’ve heard. This gave me pause as I read it this week as I don’t recall hearing the anointing at Bethany worked in to any evangelistic messages I’ve heard of late. But Jesus said wherever the gospel is preached what she did will also be told. Mary’s story is well known and has been held in high regard among believers for centuries. In total approval of her act that night, Mark 14:9 records that Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the whole world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” In her Master’s estimation, just as she had chosen the best use of her time, she had now chosen the best use of her treasures. Like the day she sat at Jesus’ feet, drinking in His every word, it seems that Mary had again chosen what was better (Luke 10:38-42). He will always commend love, especially, I think, when it is costly. Jesus in turn rebuked His disciples and commended Mary. They rebuked her harshly for an act of love they deemed too costly. Over a year’s wages would have gone a long way, they complained.Īnd they rebuked her. These treasures should have been sold and the money given to the poor, they grumbled. Such valuable commodities were now lost, they groaned. When Mary of Bethany broke her alabaster jar and anointed the head and feet of Jesus with her costly perfume, the disciples were indignant at her waste. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” – Mark 14:3-9 (NIV) She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Main Verse: While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.
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