What This Woman Has Done

And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 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.” (Mark 14:3)

I’ve spoken to many Christians over the years who expressed the desire to be “used” by God, to do significant works, to exert wide-ranging influence for Jesus, to win the war for the culture, to save their city, and the like. I have been that Christian! Perhaps you have, too. Yet, Jesus shows us a better way.

“She has done what she could.” It strikes me that Jesus praises this woman and her ministry to Him because of it was offered with loving care and simplicity. She simply did what she could do, using what she had, not being caught up in doing something great, but taking what was at hand and honoring the Lord with it when the opportunity presented itself. She seized the moment, and as uninvited, unapproved, and misunderstood as she was, the Lord received her ministry and praised her for it. It strikes me that the scripture does not even mention her name, yet we know her by her sacrifice. (Fame, famous ministers, and famous ministries may not be nearly as important to God as some think!)

Those standing around did not recognize the spirit behind this woman's offering, but the Lord did. So, let people have their preferences and opinions. Give your best to Jesus. His approval is all that matters. “. . . what this woman has done . . .”

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I pray my offering and service to You are acceptable and honorable. Thank You for every opportunity to glorify Your name.