Living Out Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

Costly service and lavish devotion

‘While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

‘Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.’ (Mark 14:3-5, NIV)

Reflect:

Mark 14:1-9 and John 12:1-8 capture the beauty of devotion as Mary (or ‘the woman’ in Mark 14) anointed Jesus with perfume. This act, both intimate and extravagant, symbolises the costliness of true service and heartfelt worship.

At this point in the account of Jesus’ life, it was becoming clearer that his story would involve confrontation and conflict that would likely cost him his life. Sensing this, Mary unexpectedly broke open a jar of pure nard and covered Jesus in this lavish gift.

The people looking on argued that Mary’s perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus silenced them, defended Mary’s actions and promised her a legacy of faithfulness that would extend as far as the gospel.

Imagine this moment. The breaking of the jar. The oil remnant in Mary’s hair. The fragrance that filled the room. The far-reaching impact of love on a community. Later that week, when Jesus was imprisoned, beaten and stripped of all he had, this moment would have remained with him as the perfume clung to his skin. As Jesus carried the cross, he carried with him a scent memory of Mary’s devotion.

Daily Action:

This scene is mutually honouring. Mary honoured her friend and teacher, Jesus, and he honoured her in return when he defended her against harsh rebuking: ‘Leave her alone… She has done a beautiful thing to me.’

In Mark 14:6-9, Jesus’ response reminds us that no expression of love is ever wasted. Like Jesus, consider how you can stand up in righteous defence for those who are marginalised or misunderstood. Like Mary, reflect on how you can love without abandon and give without counting the cost.

Re-read the account in Mark 14, and reflect on the following questions:

1. What does this passage reveal about the value of worship?
   
   
2. Are you extravagant in your love for Jesus? How about in your giving – time, finances, service? Are you willing to give up what is costly to you?
   
   
3. How do you respond when others criticise or misunderstand your acts done in good faith?
   
   
4. The woman is known for her faithfulness and devotion. What legacy do you want to leave?

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to love you and others without hesitation, offering all I have in devotion to you. May my worship be pure and my heart wholly surrendered in extravagant praise, unconcerned by the opinions of others.

Inhale: Jesus, you are worthy.

Exhale: I pour out all I have in love for you.