Two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, those in authority were looking for a way to arrest Jesus and kill him. Jesus was in Bethany and other people were present when a woman brought a jar of perfume made with pure nard. This was the best and most expensive perfumed oil that money could buy. People began complaining that she anointed Jesus with this instead of selling it and giving the money to the poor. Jesus defended her and admonished them. The teaching is found in Mark 14:1-9
What does this mean to us today?
Jesus told those listening that she did what she did to prepare him for his burial. And then he told them that the preaching of the Gospel would include telling people what she had done, in memory of her.
What does this mean to us? Why does Jesus want us to remember her? What is important to remember about her? Her name or her action? Since she isn’t given a name in the story, it must be her action.
Over the years as I have pondered this story I can’t help but think of it in relationship to the earlier story about the widow who have just a fraction of a penny to the temple treasurer. Jesus told his disciples she had given more than anyone else.
I can’t help but think about the exclusion of women from temple worship and study. I remember Jesus’ teaching about the temple being open to all people for prayer, not buying and selling. This all people would include women.
But this isn’t only about women – it’s about the offering and the fact that they gave out of love and respect, it’s about relationship. It’s about giving to Jesus what you can, it’s about doing what part you are able to in order to tell the stories about God’s love for all people and his desire to be in loving, respectful relationship with God in Christ Jesus and each other.
Lord, Please give us courage to give you our best, whether it is a little or a lot. Please help us to not judge how much others are doing or giving. Simply let us do our best to show appreciation to you for all that you have given us, your Son, your Life, your Spirit and help us to cooperate in proclaiming the Gospel Message from the beginning of your earthly life through your death and resurrection. May your name be proclaimed and praised in every nation. AMEN
