Mary: a woman who gave her all

The sacred aroma filled the room as she poured the costly spikenard oil over His feet.

Anointing oil, fit for a king. The King.

Removing her rough head covering, Mary let down her dark, glowing tresses and tenderly wiped His feet with them, sobbing gently as she did. Her tears mingled with the oil, washing away the grit and dirt.

So costly was this oil that she had given her life’s savings to purchase it. A full year’s wages. She had nothing left to keep for herself or her family.

But He was worthy. Worthy of much more than this, in fact, but it was all she had.

She didn’t know why, but something in her had compelled her to purchase the costly oil. She knew it was for His burial, although she didn’t understand what that meant either. She just knew He must be anointed.

Her heart leapt in this act of humility, as she surrendered her all to the precious King that she loved and served and longed to honour.

Suddenly, a harsh voice cut across her thoughts like a predator pouncing on its prey. ‘What a shameful waste!’ The judgemental voice spat out the words and shattered her moment of reverent worship. ‘This costly oil could have been sold and given to the poor!’

A lump formed in Mary’s throat. Was it a waste? Had she been foolish and rash? Had she made an ungodly decision?

Glancing up at Jesus, her anxious eyes met His. Would He rebuke her? Did He consider this a waste? Perhaps she should have been more prudent and used her money to buy things He saw as more valuable.

Jesus turned to the accuser: ‘Let her alone! She has kept this for the day of My burial. The poor you will always have with you, but Me you do not have always’.

Then Jesus’ eyes met Mary’s and in one tender look, she knew He treasured this act. He treasured what she had done for Him and understood its prophetic significance. He saw her heart and the longing she had to honour Him and it was precious to Him.

It didn’t matter what others thought. It didn’t matter if she was reviled for her obedience to Him and willingness to sacrifice her all for Him. All that mattered was that she had given her all and honoured her Master.

Questions for reflection:

• What sacrifices am I willing to make for Jesus?

• What is the most costly gift I can give Him?

• Do I consider Him worthy of sacrifice?

• Do I value the opinions of others over that of Jesus?

• Do I shy away from honouring Jesus when others judge me?