“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mark 14:6).

It was Passover time, and the Lamb of God was to offer Himself for the sacrifice. So, Jesus came to Jerusalem to suffer and die. By His blood, the judgment of God passes over His people.

Simon the Leper, whom Jesus had healed, honored Him with a feast, demonstrating his gratitude and love (Mark 14:1-9).

A woman interrupted the meal with a very costly anointing of Jesus. She, too, had something to be thankful for and to honor the Lord with her best—an alabaster bottle of pure nard (3). She broke the bottle and poured the entire content on Jesus’ head.

John identifies this woman as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 12:1-2).

Did Mary know she was anointing the body of Jesus for His burial? Do you know what the Lord will use your gifts and sacrifices to do in the Kingdom of God? 

The people present were indignant. It is not strange because when we honor the Lord with extravagant gifts, suddenly, people raise their concerns for the poor. However, we cannot eradicate poverty in this fallen world. We must do all we can to help the poor, but that does not prevent us from honoring God with our best gifts. 

Nothing spent on the Lord is a waste (4). He deserves everything we can bring to Him, no matter how costly.

Jesus is the Defender of the oppressed and harassed of this wicked world. He came to the rescue of Mary (6).

Jesus said what she had done was beautiful. Do you know how Jesus sees your righteous deeds for His name’s sake—what He says about your offerings and sacrifices for the gospel? 

Don’t confuse issues. Each deed has its time. We can help the underprivileged anytime, but the anointing of the body of Jesus for burial was a one-of-a-kind deed. 

The Lord said she had done what she could (8). Have you done what you could do for the Lord? Will the Lord affirm your claim?

The Lord said that her act of love and devotion would stand as an enduring testimony everywhere people preach the gospel.

Do you have a testimony? Is it worth telling to support the presentation of the gospel?

Jesus poured Himself out to death for our redemption. Nothing is too much for us to spend in His honor. Only Christ knows the spiritual meaning and implication of your deed. His approval of your kind deeds far outweighs the reproach of those who criticize you. So, hold your head high and honor the Lord with your best. Let it be costly and extravagant.