Wednesday In Holy Week: Mark 14: 1-11.
The darkness deepens as the religious establishment in Jerusalem gather to plot Jesus’ destruction. Some miles away Jesus is in Bethany where there is some relief from the pressures He has endured since His arrival in Jerusalem. He is the guest of a man named Simon who has been cured of leprosy. A dinner is given in His honour and present are Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, a family whose hospitality Jesus has previously enjoyed. (John 12: 1-3)
During the meal Mary poured very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. This was possibly a family heirloom used only on special occasions. On the estimation of some other guests it is worth a year’s wages. But Mary does not give this a thought. Nothing is too good for Jesus. He sees this as an anointing before His death
Did Mary know about the coming sacrifice? In the past she had sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. (Luke 10: 38-42). Did she have insight that others close to Jesus had missed? What is certain is that her extravagant expression of love stands as an example for all those who would follow Jesus. Jesus said: ‘Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’
Mary could sing wholeheartedly the words of the children’s hymn:
‘All that I have, all that I have,
I will give Jesus all that I have.’
