Lessons From the Road to Calvary预览

The reaction to Mary’s extravagant gift for her Savior was predictable. Judas, who would eventually betray Jesus, berated Mary for not selling the spikenard and giving the money to the poor. We are told in all three Gospel accounts that there was complaining about this lavish display, and it is John who reveals in John chapter twelve that it was Judas. His gripe was not out of legitimate concern for the poor, but rather because he was the disciple who handled the financial transactions and was also a thief.

Mary’s extravagance can teach us several lessons. The first is to be spontaneous when the Lord prompts us to give. It might be a missionary presentation in your church, disaster relief in your neighborhood or across the country, or a call for fundraising for your church’s ministries. When the Lord prompts, be responsive to that prompting.

The second lesson is that our giving should be sacrificial, even to the point where it might hurt a little. God might be prompting us to give an amount that leaves us wondering if we will be able to make ends meet. God does not promise that He will make us rich, but He will provide our every need when we rely on Him and act in obedience.

The third lesson is that our giving should be personal. Our giving should start in our local church. It is His money for His work. While there will always be someone who wants to criticize our giving or judge our motives, when we give from the heart and follow God’s leading and prompting, He will bless us.

In these Gospel accounts of Mary’s anointing of Jesus, we see some incredible contrasts:

• Mary’s amazing, beautiful love for Jesus contrasts with the treachery of Judas and the religious leaders.
• Mary’s wonderful sacrifice overshadows Judas’ ugly sin.
• Mary gave her best, while Judas gave his worst.
• Mary operated in faith and love, while Judas operated in unbelief.
• Mary’s gift was one of the greatest in history, but Judas would soon sell Jesus for the price of a slave — the greatest act of treachery in history.

Lesson: Has God been prompting your heart regarding giving? Are you like Mary or Judas? Both events are juxtaposed for you to see the worst of the world and the best because of Jesus Christ. He can change your life, but you must receive Him by faith.