Why did Jesus give such high honor to the woman who anointed him? “She has done a beautiful thing to me… She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14:6-9)
Why is her story to accompany the telling of the gospel? This woman’s action proved what she believed to be true: Jesus is worth everything! Of course the world will think such a person is crazy, but when we give Jesus what is most valuable to us, we are simply ‘putting our money where our mouth is.’
And it is not just the world that will misunderstand. “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.” (Mark 14:4-5)
The closest followers of Christ were the most critical. “What a waste!” they said. But was it waste? My youngest brother is the smartest in our family. Many said he could have been successful at many things. But at a young age Brian believed God called him to be a missionary… so he has lived the prime of his life among the poor in Africa teaching people about Jesus. Some said, “What a waste!” But was it?
I suppose that when we see Jesus face to face we will all wish we had given Him more of ourselves, more of our energy, and more of our treasure. This woman saw Him and seized the moment. “I don’t care if you don’t understand, I love Him and I am going to pour out my best. I don’t care if you get angry with me, I am going to boldly do what I can.”
“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”Matthew 19:29-30