A Wastefulness He Considers Beautiful
Would Jesus Fit Into Your Church?
The Gospel of Mark exposes the difference between the things Jesus and his followers value and the values of those devoted more to religion. This disparity came into focus when a woman broke an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' head during a meal in Simon the Leper's home. While Jesus gratefully received her extravagant gift, others responded harshly. All they were able to see was a grievous waste.
Yet, Jesus was not outraged by her gift. To the contrary, he was offended by her critics' callous attack. And with the "wasted" perfume trickling down his beard and robe, Jesus sprang to her defense. "Leave her alone. . . . Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me." (Mark 14:6)
By graciously accepting the woman's extravagant gift, Jesus left no room for doubt. Above all, Jesus must be the focal point of our affection and devotion. He makes it clear that we're to withhold nothing and lavish upon him all that we have, even our very selves.Whatever is our alabaster jar.... our most prized possession, the dearest thing in the world to us .... we must give to the Lord.
To some, especially the religious, that act will appear a waste, but that is what he requires more than any other thing.