An Outpouring of Love

Mark 14:3-9 ~

While He was in Bethany at the house of Simon who had a serious skin disease, as He was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of pure and expensive fragrant oil of nard. She broke the jar and poured it on His head. But some were expressing indignation to one another: “Why has this fragrant oil been wasted? For this oil might have been sold for more than 300 denarii and given to the poor.” And they began to scold her.

Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing for Me. You always have the poor with you, and you can do what is good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have Me. She has done what she could; she has anointed My body in advance for burial. I assure you: Wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”

The sweet smell of perfume filled the air and all conversation came to a screeching halt. Nard, which is derived from the honeysuckle family, was expensive and the guests were shocked at not only the extreme waste, but the fact that a woman would dare to do this at a banquet. They began to whisper among themselves and some were more vocal in their outrage. 

I'm fairly certain the men in the room would have been trying to get her away from Jesus and out of the room. How dare she interrupt their banquet with this embarrassing act! And yet, Jesus comes to her defense. Unwittingly, in that expression of honor and love, she was preparing His body for burial. Her outward expression showed her love and an inner devotion to the Messiah.

This story is sandwiched between the plot of the religious leaders and Judas to betray Jesus. Their betrayal was done in secret meetings and in whispered conversations. The one who outwardly professed to be a disciple would become the man who sent Jesus into the hands of his executioners. It was done quietly, secretively and was hidden from view. 

In contrast, this woman's actions were visible to all in the room. And Jesus tells the group that whenever people remembered Him in the future, they would also remember her act of kindness. 

She could have just opened the bottle and poured a little bit on Jesus' head to anoint Him. But instead she breaks the seal on the bottle and pours the entire contents on Him. She didn't hold anything back, but gave all she had. She was extravagant in her expression of devotion.

As I reflect on this story, I realize how easy it is to want to identify with the actions of this woman, but I wonder how often I am more like the indignant onlookers. If I were present, would I have been embarrassed and irritated? Would I think, "What a total waste of resources?"

Or would I be like the unnamed woman and unashamedly approach Jesus and give Him all I have, no matter who is watching and no matter the consequences? I would hope that is the case, but at times, I'm not so sure. 

Do I love the Lord enough to pour out all I have for Him as a response to His outpouring of love for me? Or do I give just a little bit and think, "That's enough?" When I reflect on the sacrifice Christ made, than each day I am alive should be an opportunity for me to break open my bottle and pour out all I have in response no matter who is watching. I am convicted and humbled by this story. 

Lord, help me to unashamedly pour out my gifts, my talents, and my life for you today. May the words of this hymn be true for me. "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, for Thee."