S. Mark 14:3, 6-7 (NIV)
3 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. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
O. A woman poured very expensive perfume on Jesus head. Jesus understood this as an act to prepare him for his burial. The woman understood, to the very least, that Jesus was going to die and acted in faith, love and generosity, by honoring Him in this way.
What seemed like a waste to others, Jesus called it a “beautiful thing” and that it would be remembered wherever the Gospel would be preached.
A. There are times that my act of giving to the Lord might be viewed as others as a “waste.” Yet I know the Lord honors and commends such sacrificial giving. I will will continue to look for ways to give to the Lord in such sacrificial ways to show my faith and love for Him and desire to be known for such generosity.
P. Thank you Lord for preserving the testimony of this woman’s faith, love and generosity. I pray that you will continue to work in my heart to be a person of such faith, love and generosity. In Jesus’ name.
