WHAT BEAUTIFUL THING WILL YOU DO FOR JESUS?

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? (2 Cor. 2:15-17)

The Holy Week was a critical time for Jesus. The hour had come to offer up His life on the cross in exchange for ours in eternity.

Jesus knew what He must do. But nobody understood, not even His disciples. He was pressed on all sides by people with misguided hopes, misplaced expectations, and malicious schemes to bring Him down. His walk towards Calvary was a lonely one.

Then, someone came to Jesus. Her devotion comforted Him and affirmed His mission, even though she did not fully understand it.   

It was Mary, the sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead just days ago. Jesus had said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn. 11:25) Shortly after, at Jesus’ command, Lazarus emerged from the tomb.

The raising of Lazarus made the headlines. Bethany, where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived was only two miles from Jerusalem. People coming for Passover heard about it. Many took to the streets with palm branches to hail His entry into Jerusalem. Others lie waiting, more determined than ever to destroy Him.

But Mary, whose habit it was to sit at Jesus’ feet, pondered in her heart all that she had seen and heard from Jesus, and resolved to express her devotion to the Lord with the most precious thing in her possession. (Mt. 26:6-13, Mk. 14:3-9, Jn. 12:1-8)

Jesus was staying in her village before the Passover. So, Mary brought a gift to the dinner party in honor of Him. It was an alabaster jar of nard, a perfume made from a rare plant from faraway India.

Overcome with emotion when she approached Jesus, Mary wept, her tears wetting Jesus’ feet. She promptly wiped them with her hair, broke the flask and anointed Jesus with the entire content. It was a gesture fit for the most distinguished guest.

In that part of the world, it was also customary to bathe the dead before anointing the body. The flask that held the embalming perfume would then be broken and the pieces buried with the body in the tomb. This was probably not on Mary’s mind. But the imagery did not escape Jesus’ attention. 

Soon, the room was filled with the fragrance of nard. But people were judging Mary for the extravagance of her gift. This perfume, worth a working man’s wages for a year, should have been put to better use, like alms for the poor. What a shameful waste!

But Mary’s gift and devotion brought great comfort to the Lord.

Immediately, perceiving their criticism, He defended her: “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to Me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have Me.” (Mt. 26:10-11) Mary’s gift was not only special but timely for Jesus’ death was imminent.

Then the Lord lavished upon Mary the highest praise ever given to His followers. His words must have mystified the dinner host and guests. But with hindsight, Matthew and Mark noted their significance and carefully recorded what Jesus said.

“In pouring this ointment on My body she has done it to prepare Me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” (Mt. 26:12-13, Mk. 14:8-9)

To Jesus, Mary had done a beautiful thing. It was beautiful because it was done in love.

True love gives extravagantly. It is not calculating how little one can respectfully give. True love is even reckless, not counting the cost. In life, there is a need for common sense. But William Barclay puts it well, “There is a world of difference between the economics of common sense and the economics of love. One obeys the dictates of prudence, the other obeys the dictates of the heart… There are times when only love’s extravagance can meet love’s demands.” That is when we give more than we can afford.

True love seizes the moment and acts upon it. Certain things must be done when the opportunity arises, or they can never be done at all. The tragedy of life often consists of lost opportunities. We are moved to do a lovely thing—a kind word, a generous deed, a second-mile offer of help. If we let the moment go by, the person, the time, or the impulse will never present itself again.

Mary seized the moment to give. Not impulsively, for she had given it much thought. Nor recklessly, for she reckoned that her Lord was worthy. She would have given even more if she could.

When Mary gave with devotion and extravagance, Jesus magnified her gift, multiplied it just as He did with the boy’s fish and loaves to feed the multitudes. How so?

Jesus declared Mary’s gift to be a sign that pointed to the very gift that He Himself would soon be giving at Calvary—His life poured out in exchange for the life of our fallen race. He also memorialized her love for Him as an inspiration and example to all who would preach and receive the gospel of Christ throughout church history.

In this Easter season, let us consider Christ’s death and resurrection, His gift of life and hope to us. May our lives be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God, a beautiful thing that blesses our Lord.

What can I give to Jesus,
Who gave Himself for me?
How can I show my love to Him
Who died on Calvary?
Myself I give to Jesus,
Who gave Himself for me:
Thus will I show my love to Him
Who died on Calvary. (Tom Fettke, b.1941)

Sometimes, our desire to serve the Lord will not make sense to others. You may hear voices that say, “What a shameful waste!” Do not be discouraged.

Jesus knew what His Father had called Him to do. But when the opposition became intense and He was all alone, God encouraged and affirmed Him through Mary’s act of love. In obeying God’s will for us, we may encounter obstacles and opposition. Our heavenly Father knows when His children need encouragement and affirmation. Knowing God’s extravagant love, we will find courage to press on.

Reflection questions:

1.    What in the story touches you?

2.    Jesus gave Himself to us. What will you give to Him?

3.    How are you giving to Jesus? Out of love, or obligation?

4.    Pray to encounter Jesus afresh and renew your love for Him. What is that beautiful thing you will choose to give Him now?