Lately I’ve read Mark 14:1-8 over and over and over. I just couldn’t leave it alone. It’s the story of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus. He had recently raised Mary’s brother Lazarus from the dead. Now Jesus was at a party and Mary came in with an alabaster jar of pure nard (an expensive perfume) and poured it over Jesus.
Mary gave a gift that was lavish, worth about a year’s wage.
Mary gave a gift that was pure, not mixed or tainted or watered down.
The crowd scolded her for her waste, but Jesus defended her. They were indignant because the nard could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus not only accepted her gift, He commended her to the crowd. Then He said, “She has done what she could.”
Mary gave what she had and Jesus accepted it.
So for me, the question emerges, “What do I already possess that I can give to Jesus?” The answer for me – today anyway – is TIME. It’s what I have to give. Your answer may be different, so listen carefully if you decide to ask the question.