Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So, they scolded her harshly. But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Mark 14:3-9 NLT
It was the week Jesus would die. But no one realized it. Simon had been healed of leprosy and was having a “thank-you” party at his home. He was wealthy and since being cured of this very destructive and contagious disease was restored to his home and relationships. While Jesus was eating and anxiety-free, though He knew the Jews were seeking to kill Him, Mary had a courageous plan. She decided to come uninvited to this important men’s-only club (the only women would be the cook and servers) and make a huge sacrifice of love to Jesus.
She slipped into the room with an alabaster jar (very expensive) filled with perfume, made with the essence of nard (even more expensive). Scholars say it would have been a family heirloom after the death of her parents. She was one of three siblings left, and Jesus had raised her brother Lazarus back to life not long previously. He was her beloved sibling, carrying on the male responsibilities in the family. Her gratitude to Jesus knew no bounds and she took this heirloom and broke the jar, giving it all to Jesus. She didn’t decide she would spare just a few drops, or even half. She gave it all! It was pre-decided, planned, intentional, sacrificial.
Radical sacrifice and generosity will always get mixed reviews. Some will be in awe, taught and blessed by it. Others will be critical and cynical. Immediately some of the wealthy guests criticized her and said she should have given it to the poor – something Jesus knew they were telling HER she should have done without doing it themselves. They were upset because she did so much and they did nothing, not even a “thank you” to Jesus. She gave everything and they were just eating. She did what she could, and they did nothing. Do you understand what a statement that is? If you were able to say at the end of your life, “I did what I could,” it would be the most awesome statement. Almost no one does all they really can do. We do what we have to, what we can get by with, what looks good. But Jesus sees and knows what is real. To have Jesus say, “You did what you could” is the most incredible statement. It’s radical generosity at its best. And it’s always remembered and rewarded with great joy.
- Jesus knows and sees accurately. How would He define my giving?