The disciples are still confused about the road that lies ahead for Jesus. Despite Jesus warning them time-and-time again, they just haven’t truly understood that he must go to the cross in order to save the world. But Mary (who is not named here, but features in John 12:1-3), in this extraordinary act of generosity and beauty, anticipates Jesus’ death much to the indignation of those watching on!

It’s important to understand that carved jars of perfume like this would have been extraordinarily expensive. That’s evident in the response by all of the disciples - they’re indignant, which means that they’re angry at the “waste” that they’re witnessing. But of course they only think that this is a waste because they don’t understand the significance of the act. And so, aware of their response, Jesus says, this isn’t a waste for, “the poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me”. Jesus’ point is of course not that we shouldn’t prioritise the needs of the poor and the use of our resources (that’s evident all throughout Matthew), but that the woman is recognising what is right before them: that Jesus is God’s anointed one who will die in service of God’s mission to the world! The disciples thought that act brought no honour to God, when in reality she has greatly honoured her Lord! The disciples thought that she had done something of no significance, yet Jesus tells them that it's of such great significance that it will be told alongside the Gospel throughout the world.

Jesus’ death wasn’t a failure or an unanticipated outcome. It was God’s gracious and loving plan that has brought us life. As we seek to follow Jesus, he doesn’t require us to always understand, but he does call us to be faithful. I’m so thankful to God for the obedience of Mary, who even at great cost, was willing to recognise the identity and mission of our Lord. AL

Questions

If you witnessed this event, how do you think you would have responded? What makes this action so extraordinary?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your costly and extravagant gift to us through your Son. Please help us to lay our lives down for you, whatever it takes, that we might recognise you for the King who you are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.