What’s happening now in Jesus’ life sets the scene for the final act. Jesus continues to teach his apostles, and the teachable moment happens as the woman anoints Jesus for his burial in advance. As you might imagine, perfume of such high quality would remain strong and fragrant for several more days.
However, the point of the story is to understand the motive of this anointing. Its significance lies in the heart’s desire to show tribute and worship King Jesus. The woman was demonstrating her unwavering love and devotion in an extravagant fashion. When is the last time you did such a thing?
We’re also seeing “behind the curtain” as we get glimpses of what the religious leaders are plotting. It’s hard to fathom how God-fearing men, those chosen to lead the people in religious matters, could miss seeing Jesus, the Messiah, right in front of them! God was surely blinding them or allowing them to be blinded for His purpose.
Do you ever wonder about that in your own life? Are you blinded by something or someone? Perhaps you see people, not excluding yourself, doing really crazy things or believing something contrary to Jesus’ truth, with full belief that it is the right thing to do.
These religious leaders wrongly thought Jesus was the enemy because they didn’t recognize Him. They were jealous of Jesus and were out to get Him. We all make mistakes, follow the wrong people, or make bad choices.
Many people wondered, and some were “indignant” at the choice the woman in our reading made. It’s true what Jesus said—”this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Jesus didn’t see her actions in a negative light. To the contrary, Jesus was grateful that she had blessed Him in such a grand fashion. She went “all-in” showing her faithful obedience and adoration for her Lord, the Messiah. Would she have known she was anointing him for burial?
Remember back in Chapter 3 of Mark’s gospel when Jesus’ disciples were being named. The last one was Judas, and it was noted that he would be the betrayer. So now we know when and to whom that betrayal took place. The religious leaders must have been ecstatic when Judas presented this offer to them.
Friends don’t betray friends. Ever. However, for God’s plan of redemption to work, someone needed to help those religious leaders who were poised and ready to sacrifice Jesus.
Jesus predicted he would be put to death and be raised on the third day. The disciples didn’t understand the “rising in three days” part. But Jesus’ resurrection was the whole point. We know the significance of the resurrection now, but the disciples still didn’t understand the whole picture as it was happening. Can we blame them?
What we can do is control how we relate to Jesus, our Redeemer. What faithful deed will you do this week to show Jesus your love?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you have my heart as I worship you for who you are yesterday, today, and forever. I want my life to reflect you brightly in all I say and do. You are King of the universe, in control of all that exists. I bow down to you and want you to lead my life. I trust you will use me even if I don’t know it’s happening. Be glorified in this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
