Lets do something beautiful for Jesus.

“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

In Matthew 26:6-13 we read the story of Jesus being annotated in Bethany. Jesus was in the home of a Leper when a woman (unnamed in Matthew and Marks’ account) came to him with an alabaster jar of some very expensive perfume, which she poured over Jesus head. The text says that the disciples (meaning not just one but most of them if not all) became indignant. No matter their intention or reason they basically devalued, critised the women’s action completely as a “waste”.

What can learn from this woman? Even though she is unnamed, some believe she is Mary of Bethany sister of Martha and Lazarus. Even if it is not her, we know that this woman was a follower of Christ. Jesus defends her act of devotion, as an act of true discipleship. There in that moment, I think that she showed more about being a disciple than any other person in that room. She demonstrates a posture of service that we can all take note of. She humbled herself, before others, obviously able to hear the “negative comments” from the disciples. She put herself out there in a very public, unseen way, because she loved Jesus. She gave her very best. The disciples were right; the perfume was worth lots of money. Something she could have sold, to help herself or others in need. But she sensed the urgency to abandon her own needs and plans too pour most treasured possession over Jesus head. This act was ordained by God in the beginning of time. Because he knows everything, He knew that this women purpose on earth was for this moment and time. To anoint the pure, perfect lamb before the sacrifice. Shortly after this event, Jesus himself followed her own act of devotion and gave his most precious, valuable gift to mankind. He gave His live for us on the cross. Jesus commends her for doing the better part, the part that didn’t make good sense to the disciples. He said that “she had done a “beautiful thing”. She fulfilled God’s eternal plan. For over 2000 years her story has been part of the Gospel Message. Jesus said in verse 13 “I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” What a statement to be said about someone simple, but none the less a costly act of devotion.

Some of observations:

What we think is a waste or waste of time and resources might be the very thing that is a beautiful act of love and devotion to our risen Lord and Savior. Sometimes being obedient doesn’t make much sense on paper but in eternity it is everything.

In the midst of her own poverty, this woman was willing to give her (probably) most valuable thing to Jesus. She did a beautiful thing to Jesus. Is my attitude the same as hers? Would Jesus say, leave him alone, Jeromy has done a beautiful thing for me? Could Jesus say that about you? Let’s determine in our hearts and minds to do something beautiful for Jesus. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s workmanship (His masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” What “beautiful” work has God created you for? Are you willing to do it, no matter what it could cost you? Today my answer is YES!!!

Blessings

Jeromy Guthrie

(painting by Harold Copping)