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2. Jesus Anointed at Bethany (Mark 14:3-9)
MARK 14:3-9
3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, “Why has this ointment been wasted? 5 For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor.” They grumbled against her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying. 9 Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her.”
Jesus entered the house of Simon the leper who was probably the one whom Jesus had miraculously cleansed from leprosy. This cleansing meant his purification from sins and their result. We see in this cleansed man the evidence of Christ as Savior. The Lord did not leave the cleansed man alone, but visited, strengthened, and honored him by his presence, with his group of disciples, that he might not be alone after his ascension. Other guests came in spite of the observation and persecution. All participated in a blessed banquet.
Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, also appeared with his sisters (John 12:1-8). The gathering itself was an evidence of the power of God in Christ Jesus who overcame all diseases and sins, and even death. Yet, Jesus intended to pluck out the seeds of evil by wiping out the sin of the world.
With her faithful insight, Mary, the sister of Lazarus recognized exactly who Jesus was, and understood the meaning of this last banquet. She felt the approach of the last hour, and understood that there was but a little time to show her gratitude to Jesus the Healer.
She ran to her house, and brought the alabaster flask, which she might have saved for her own wedding. Then she broke the flask and poured it all on the head of Jesus, who was sitting at the table. She could not find any other way to express her gratitude and respect to him who overcame death and disease, and forgave sins.
Jesus accepted this anointment. He realized in it the symbol and indication from his Father, who allowed his anointment as the High Priest for his own death and his self-sacrifice.
From everlasting, Jesus was the Anointed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit, for in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He was not in need of a new anointment, but the love of his Father strengthened his faith that Jesus felt strengthened for his approaching death.
He clearly foretold his imminent death and true burial that no false hope might be concluded from his acceptance of this anointment, as though to accept the throne of the nation or his own wedding. Jesus prepared himself for death, and prepared his disciples for their loneliness and responsibility.
Unfortunately, his followers did not understand what the tenderhearted woman did. The fragrance of the precious perfume filled the room, and their minds began to reckon the value of the perfume. Maybe their common treasury was not filled because of persecution. Maybe Jesus had distributed all the contributions to the poor. Anyhow, some whispered among them, especially Judas Iscariot: “If Mary had given us this precious alabaster flask, we would have sold it, and received a considerable amount for it. It would have been possible to help many poor people.” Judas complained and became angry because of this seemingly useless waste.
Jesus read their thoughts. He struck at the disobedient in their innermost hearts, and condemned all reformers of the world with their false dreams and promises, by his statement: “The poor are with you at all times, even in the paradise promised to the laborers and peasants. As long as the world is far away from God, the poor, the sick, and the hungry increase westward and eastward, with capitalists and their greed for money, as well as with the socialists and their strict regime.
Only the coming of Jesus ends distress and injustice in our world. He alone will end the tragedy.
The Lord showed us the best way to help the poor and the needy. He did not establish a charity, nor did he call for assistance organizations, but he said: “If you wish, you can help the poor in your surroundings. Do not give them alms to get rid of them, and then you go back to your homes, but bend over them, go down to their level, and look after them personally. They may need medicines, a comforting word, work, professional training, or a scholarship. Ask the Lord to give you loving wisdom, that you may serve the poor, and not only look after yourselves. The poor are the objects of God’s love.
Jesus did not ask us for money in the first place, but he sought our hearts that he might fill them with his mercy and love, and give us the will to serve the poor with determination and conviction.
Whoever wants to serve and help, and prays to the Lord that he may guide him to his wise services, experiences that the Lord will guide him indeed and give him power not only to help to overcome poverty in the world, but also to help some of the poor near him.
Did you hear this call of Jesus? What do you do? Do you hold on to money to secure your family and yourself? Christ sacrificed himself. What do you give him in return for his sacrifice? Mary sacrificed the treasure of her life for Jesus. She did what she could, and gave what she had to glorify her Lord.
PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God. We worship you for you are love. You gave your life a sacrifice for us, though we are evil. Teach us to change our minds that we may not help ourselves by our own efforts, or rely on others’ help, but to be prepared to serve the poor and the needy who live near us. Open our eyes to those who are in distress and in need of our service, and show us the best way to help them. Give us the will and the strength for faithful service. O Lord, give us your concern. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What do we learn from the anointment of Jesus by Mary, and from the discussion after this anointment?