The invitation to dine had been eagerly offered and humbly accepted. A group of men arrived at the residence of the host; shortly thereafter, polite conversation commenced as the meal was served at the table. Simon, the householder, was a gracious host, providing a meal fit for a king. Having been mercifully healed from leprosy, he was grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate exemplary hospitality and heartfelt appreciation to Jesus and His company.
As the men dined upon the luscious meal, an uninvited woman boldly entered the room. Disregarding the traditional dining customs of her time, the woman knelt at Jesus鈥檚 feet and carefully opened an alabaster container filled with fragrant ointment. Slowly, it was poured upon the head of Jesus. Spikenard was considered highly valuable, with an estimated worth equivalent to 300 days of labor.
The outrageous demonstration of sacrifice conjured up an emotion of indignation in several guests.
Allegations of waste were levied against the uninvited intruder, as well as profound confusion in her rationale in this peculiar action.
The whispers and innuendoes intensified, as well as criticism that the precious ointment could have been sold with its proceeds going to the poor in the community.
After witnessing the harassment of this beleaguered worshipper, Jesus implored them to let her alone.
He commended her generosity and selfless gift. Jesus described it as a beautiful thing that she had done for Him. Truly, she had blessed her Lord and Saviour.
As for utilizing the monetary value of the spikenard for ministry to the poor, Jesus negated the criticism by emphatically stating be the poor will always be around, but He would not.
This woman鈥檚 act of worship was 鈥渢ime sensitive.鈥
She had come to anoint Him prior to His burial.
Her expression of love stemmed from her dogmatic belief in the forthcoming sacrificial death of Christ upon the Cross.
Jesus emphatically declared that 鈥淪he hath done what she could鈥 (Mark 14:8). Here, the Lord Jesus Christ highlights the criteria for which He measures all service rendered from His children.
Have they done all that they could for Him in their lifetime?
Have they held back? Have they limited their time in service?
Have they skimmed money off the top?
Have they limited the use of their God given talents?
Have they been halfhearted?
Have they been lazy, lethargic or indifferent?
Giving one鈥檚 best to the Master is noted by God. Jesus did not prevent the offering of the expensive ointment. He is worthy! He is worthy of our best effort, our best gifts, our utmost praise and our supreme worship. The question that begs an answer from each of us is whether we have done what we can.
You may not have a pulpit to preach in, a tribe on a mission field that you have been called to, or an auditorium filled with people waiting to hear your voice lifted in song.
But have you done what you could?
Have you been generous in your gifts to Jesus? Have you given what you could?
The zenith of our relationship to God will be measured by selfless surrender and compassionate commitment.
It must be the longing of our heart to hear the praise and commendation of the Lord one day. To rejoice in His words, 鈥淗e hath done what he could!鈥
Jon Shonebarger is the Department Chaplain for the American Legion, Department of Tennessee. Contact Jon at impacthought@gmail.com.
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