A fortune given away

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Bethany is not far from Jerusalem. It is a place Jesus often visited, where he stayed overnight several times.

  • Bethany, a place of service and instruction
    Luke 10:38-42
  • A place of Lazarus' death and resurrection
    John 11:1-44
  • A place of fellowship and worship
    John 12:1-8
  • A place of blessing and exaltation
    Luke 24:50-51
  • Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived here
  • Simon's house also stood here
    Matthew 26:6


1. The Banquet

Jesus was an honored guest in Bethany at the home of Simon, who had once been a leper. The guests were Jesus' disciples and Simon's friends. It was an evening of fellowship, a time of dialogue and joy.



2. The Anointing of the Lord

During the meal, a woman suddenly entered. In her hands, she held a small bottle of precious nard oil. Mary loved the Lord Jesus. She brought her most precious possession. She opened the bottle and anointed Jesus' head with the oil.

Why did Mary do this? Mary took the right attitude toward the Lord Jesus. Love is connected with respect and reverence; Mary's motives were pure.

Acting out of love is done without calculation or expectation of anything in return.


3. Unwillingness, not understanding

Several guests then complained: "What a waste!" They strongly criticized her. The money should have been given to the poor. Even Judas the betrayer grumbled.



4. Appreciation and evaluation

Jesus took Mary's side. He said, "Leave her alone! Why are you hurting her? She has done something good for me. There will always be poor people who need your help. You can help them at any time. But I won't be with you much longer. This woman did what she could. With this anointing oil, she prepared my body for burial."


5. The honor

And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
Mark 14:9 (ESV)

Jesus immortalizes their glory by linking their deed to the proclamation.



6. What can we learn from this story? 

  • Hospitality
  • Don't accuse anyone without reason
  • No endless talk when it leads nowhere

What is our relationship with Jesus?
Are we ready to give our best?
Is Mary a role model for us?

This woman did what she could. This statement is significant: She did what she could, not what she couldn't do, or what people thought she should do.


Let all that you do be done in love.
1. Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
Hebrew 10:24 (ESV)


Author: Edith Waechter

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