Page 17 - June 2025 - Truth & Tidings

Some, identified by Matthew as the earned the Lord’s commendation, while
Lord’s own disciples, “had indignation to our cold, calculating minds such an
within themselves” (v4). They were action may seem foolish. Similarly, Mary’s
greatly displeased, even angry, at what act of love in pouring out her preserved
they perceived as the “waste of the oint- and precious ointment upon the Lord
ment.” They regarded the pouring out of earned the Lord’s highest praise: “Verily
this precious ointment upon the Lord as I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel
an unnecessary extravagance. They sug- shall be preached throughout the whole
gested an alternative use: “It might have world, this also that she hath done shall
been sold for more than three hundred be spoken of for a memorial of her” (14:9).
pence, and have been given to the poor”
(v5). Such a suggestion may appear rea- Disloyal Disciple (vv10-11)
sonable, but John traces its origin back to Judas’ treachery stands in stark contrast
Judas, adding, “This he said, not that he to Mary’s devotion. He was “one of the
cared for the poor; but because he was twelve,” a man of unique privilege and
a thief, and had the bag, and bare what responsibility. Yet he “went unto the chief
was put therein” (Joh 12:6). The disciples, priests, to betray him unto them” (v10).
influenced by Judas, were out of line with While Mary would become the great ex-
their Lord’s thinking. ample of heart-felt devotion, Judas would
The Lord Jesus rebuked their protests: become the very byword for betrayal.
“Let her alone; why trouble ye her?” They The scheming leaders were delighted;
must stop their scolding and cease their Judas was an asset to be valued. And so,
troubling. Why? Her action was com- they “promised to give him money. And
mendable! “She hath wrought a good he sought how he might conveniently
work on me” (Mar 14:6). Her act was betray him” (v11).
intrinsically good. What they condemned Mary’s shining devotion placed against
as waste the Lord commended as worship. such a dark background should stir our
But what about the challenge that she hearts. Many Christian heroes and hero-
should have sold the perfume and given ines have acted out of such deep love and
the proceeds to the poor? Any time they strong faith, pouring out everything in
were moved with compassion to aid the devoted service to the Lord. Some have
poor they should do so. But this gave no paid the ultimate price, spilling their
just cause to attack this woman. She had
seized a passing opportunity to express a blood as martyrs. We may not be called
heart of deep devotion to her Lord, and to die for Christ, but we are called to love
her action showed that she was more in Him as Mary did. Surely, He finds noth-
line with the immediate need than were ing more pleasing than a heart wholly
the disciples. “She has done what she devoted to Him.
could; she has anointed my body before- Take my love; my Lord, I pour
hand for burial” (v8 ESV). At thy feet its treasure store.
A heart stirred by sincere devotion will Take myself, and I will be
not always appear reasonable. The poor Ever, only, all for thee. 2
widow who cast into the treasury “all
that she had, even all her living” (12:44), 2 Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879)

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