Mark 14:4-9 NKJV – 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 “For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 “For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 8 “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
V4 “But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted?”
Why the anger? In this situation, it seems that Judas was the one complaining (John 12:6 and John 13:29). The words sound so compassionate, but it is all a lie for the real reason relates to money. This is manipulation for personal profit. Judas loved money and as a result lost his soul to an eternity of torment in hell. This is an example of what not to do.
V5 “For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.”
One Denarius is a day’s wage for a soldier and a day laborer. Judas was sharp on his financial dealings but spit on the spiritual blessings he could have had (Ephesians 1:3).
Some spiritual blessings include: 1) salvation, 2) hope for deliverance, 3) a heavenly home, 4) forgiveness of sins, 5) a compassionate High Priest (Jesus), 6) a comforter (Holy Spirit), 7) God’s love, 8) adoption into God’s family, 9) a heavenly inheritance, 10) a physical resurrection, 11) fellowship with God now and for eternity, 12) fellowship with fellow believers, 13) a perfect law (the Law of Christ), 14) a perfect book to teach us the ways of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), 15) a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit, 16) a book (Bible) to learn wisdom, 17) a book to discern right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14), 18) a teacher to teach us patience and hope (Romans 5:3-7), 19) wonderful promises for the future, 20) eternal life (1 John 2:25), and many others.
V6 “But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.”
A stern rebuke to Judas and all others. Jesus clearly states that she has done a good work. This “work” is not one for salvation, but a work that proves salvation. James 2:25 NLT – “Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.”
MacLaren comments: “Selfishness blames love for the profusion and prodigality, which to it seem folly and waste.”
G. Everard, M. A. (Biblical Illustrator, New Testament) comments: “Take a sample of “a good work,” one that we know to have been truly such from the lips of Christ Himself. You remember Mary in the house of Simon the leper (Mark 14:6, 8, 9). Here was every element of a good work. It was done to Christ Himself, and out of love to Him. It was a costly work, for the ointment was very precious. It was a lowly work. Both hands and hair were used in anointing the Lord’s feet. It was a work of personal service. She did not do the work by another, but herself ministered to Christ. It was a work which spread a sweet savour around, and thus of benefit to those in the house. It was a work which brought honour to the Lord, which pointed to His death of suffering, and which was abundantly recompensed in the gracious words which Christ spoke of her.”
V7 “For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.”
Jesus says, “You want to do good to the poor. You can, for they will exist for a long time.” To honor Jesus personally now cannot be done. Praise God she did.
The greatest gift is Jesus, His cross, burial, resurrection, ascension, and the Gospel way to forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
V8 “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.”
She couldn’t do much but in lieu of anointing his dead body after His death, she does it now.
V9 “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
And so it has. Let us remember her ministering work. What a wonderful example. We can honor Jesus by our lives in obedience to His rules, way of life, and speaking the truth of Him.
The same applies to Judas. Judas is remembered for betrayal, loving money more than God, and losing everything. Mary is remembered for love, loyalty, and service to the Lord Jesus.
We learn:
- How the love of money corrupts a person.
- How to respond to evil people.
- An example of service and ministry.
Questions:
- What will God and others remember about us?
- Do we love money enough to betray God or those dearest to us?