Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—May 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

May 24, Mark 14

What’s the most expensive gift you’ve ever given? Why did you give it? Perhaps it was a piece of exquisite jewelry, an automobile or maybe something even more costly. If it was a genuine gift, you probably gave it as an expression of your love.

Jesus was just a couple of days from giving the ultimate gift of his own life. He would give his body and blood for your sins, my sins, even the sins of those who would call out for his death and drive the nails into his hands. And he would do it for love.

But before all of that, before the rejection, treachery, denial, abandonment and abuse he would endure for us, one disciple who loved her Master did something as a gift to him. Mark doesn’t call her by name, but we know from John it was Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus) who did it. At a dinner in Simon the leper’s house, she anointed Jesus with pure nard (an expensive fragrant ointment imported from the Far East). The gift was extravagant. The witnesses estimated the ointment was worth more than a year’s wages. She broke the flask, holding none of the gift in reserve, and poured all the ointment on Jesus’ head.

The people who saw it, even the other disciples, were upset over what they called “waste.” They were quick to point out the practical good that could have been done with the proceeds from the sale of the perfume. They scolded Mary for her extravagant demonstration of love.

Jesus defended her, saying what she had done was “beautiful.” He said she had done what she could, and counted it as anointing his body for burial, another chilling reminder

of events that lay just ahead. He predicted the story of her love would be told along with the story of his love all over the world.

Have you ever had occasion to do something very costly out of love for the Lord Jesus? Can you understand Mary’s heart and motive for doing what she did? Then you may know that not everyone appreciates or commends sacrificial giving. There are far more critics than people willing to give. When you give your time, talent or treasure, do not be surprised if you are criticized or if your motives are questioned. But know and believe that Jesus receives such gifts and sees the beauty of sacrificing something out of love for him. Trust that nothing you give out of love for Jesus is ever wasted. The indignant critics may suggest pious-sounding alternatives that could have been chosen. But take comfort and find joy in knowing when you do what you can for the Lord, he acknowledges and remembers it.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.