Beyond The Immediate!

Sometimes people are critical of the service others offer. Some have viewed other’s actions as being wasteful or perhaps misdirected. Such was the case when Jesus was anointed in the home of Simon the leper in the town of Bethany. ( Matthew 26:6-9) According to John’s Gospel the one who poured the ointment on Jesus was Mary ( John 12:3), the sister of Lazarus and Martha, who were also residents of Bethany. The disciples were critical of what they saw as a waste, considering how it could have been sold with the money being used to help the poor. ( Matthew 26:8-9) John’s Gospel recorded the complaint to have been perhaps instigated by Judas ( John 12:4-5) and provided a glimpse into what was behind Judas’ complaint ( John 12:6); his own greed. However, within Jesus’ response to the reaction of those who witnessed Mary’s actions, we have a marvelous statement regarding what she had done.

We read…
“(10) But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For SHE HAS DONE A BEAUTIFUL THING to me. (11) For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. (12) In pouring this ointment on my body, SHE HAS DONE IT TO PREPARE ME FOR BURIAL.” ( Matthew 26:10-12 ESV)

First, Jesus referred to Mary’s actions as being “a beautiful thing.” Secondly Jesus accepted her anointing as PREPARATORY to His burial. John recorded that Jesus went to Bethany six days prior to the Passover ( John 12:1) and close to this account Matthew recorded Jesus as saying the Passover was two days away. ( Matthew 26:2) Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion were drawing near. Did Mary understand what the disciples still struggled to perceive even though the Lord had been preparing them for what lay ahead? (i.e. Matthew 20:18-19 & 26:2) Even if she had no clue and had not offered her gift thinking of Jesus’ coming death and burial, Jesus both accepted and acknowledge her actions as PREPARATORY to His burial. That opportunity did not present itself immediately following Jesus’ death because of the Passover and then Jesus rose from the tomb before it could be done afterward. (note Luke 23:54-56 & 24:1-3) [However, John’s Gospel does mention Nicodemus (who accompanied Joseph of Arimathea in taking the body of Jesus to the tomb) having taken a mixture of myrrh and aloes. ( John 19:39-40)]

Now, here’s the point I think it might be worthy to consider with regard to our own actions. Do we ever consider the possibility that the good deeds we perform could also be PREPARATORY to things we do not fully understand at the time? Our own actions may be links in a longer chain of events impacting far beyond our initial intent! May that encourage us to eagerly serve as the opportunities present themselves, not caring so much about the criticism of others, but rather genuinely seeking to please our Lord and glorify His Name.

Have a great day SERVING FOR THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CHRIST!
Carl

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