THE ANOINTING OF JESUS

In Mark 14, while the religious leaders of Jerusalem were planning to kill Jesus, there is a lovely story of a woman who anointed Jesus with perfume.  It happened when Jesus was in Bethany at table in the home of Simon the Leper.  Bethany was located  on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, while Jerusalem was on the western slope.  Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus also lived in Bethany.  When Mary heard of Simon's dinner with Jesus as guest, Mary entered the room where the men  were dining and approached Jesus with an alabaster jar of pure nard, a very fine perfume.  When she came to Jesus, she broke the jar and poured the perfume on  his head.  Some men present were aghast at the waste and rebuked Mary for not giving the gift to the poor.  But Jesus  said in Mark 14:6, "Leave her alone!  Why are you bothering her?  She has done a beautiful thing to me.  The poor you will always have with you and you can help them anytime you want.  But you will not always have me.  She did what she could; she poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.  I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."


Study: "This story may have been chosen to show the complete love that those who knew Jesus were capable of when at the same time others desired his death.  It shows us the essence of worshiping Christ is to regard Him with utmost love, respect, and devotion and to be wiling to sacrifice to Him what is most precious in spite of what the world at large desires of us."


I cannot say this any clearer than what has already been said.  It is a challenge for me, and for all who  represent love of Jesus Christ to have a sacrificial attitude.  The world has taught us to look out for ourselves; do not waste what comes at great expense; no one will take care of you better than you yourself; waste not; want not; if you itch, scratch.  (Well, maybe not this last one.) Jesus says quite the opposite: Take care of those in need.  This is hard to remember, and hard sometimes to do.  but we must do our utmost.


So, upward and onward.  Help us, Lord Jesus, to do what your desire of us to do.  Feed your sheep.


Love from the "getting colder up here state of MN",


Jo inMN