Why this waste?

May 10, 2019 (Bible Devotional)

The disciples of Jesus did not always share the view of their Master. Their mind was too fixated on the earthly things. All had their sinful traits and habits. Judah’s pitfall was the love of money. He is always looking for opportunities to enrich himself. He was the treasurer of the group. He sympathizes with the poor. And everything he had an opportunity he help them. And Judah always classifies himself with them.

His influence was not isolated to himself. His character tinted his entourage and the other disciple started to become more focus on material things as well. They look for an opportunity to “save” money. And many neglected to perform many duties that would have been useful for the ministry. Though we are called to be good steward, we must also remember that we are also counsel to take no thought for tomorrow.

All the disciples resented the gift presented to Jesus. In the estimation, it was too costly. Mary, the former prostitute, has been liberated from multiple demons by Jesus. She also now lives a sober life. She has gotten victory over her sinful past. She is free, no longer to return to her previous lifestyle. She heard the Master talk about his imminent death. She brought a special gift for her burial.

The gift cost a lot, but it was not costly. To Mary, it was a joy to save all that money to purchase the alabaster box. She could not wait for it. And though she bought it for the burial of Jesus, she carries the gift with her wherever she went. And the opportunity was presented, she did not wait. She presented the precious ointment to anoint Jesus’s feet.

The smell permeated the room. The precious aroma that burst the wall speaks to the quality of the gift. And many suspect that much money has been spent in to acquire this combination. The bystanders covenanted the gift. Some thought it to be a waste of supply. The disciples say it could have been used to bless others, especially the poor.

The gift’s purpose was simply to honor the master with the best that she could afford. Mary put her all into that gift. That was her financial net worth. That gift represented all that she had and all that she could afford. Yet she was willing to give all and spend all for Jesus.

The story of Mary Magdalene is a testament to the Gospel. She has been an outcast. She was regarded as a great sinner by the same men that use her services. Just like Judah in the old testament, there are ready to stone a prostitute when they are the same people that place her in that position. But the lovely Savior rescued her. She was supposed to be dead, but she is alive. And much more. The words of Jesus, the words of life plus a prostitute equates a mission woman, a spectacle, a miracle.

The things of God is also a waste for those who do not value salvation. Why such waste is also the question asked by many unbelievers today. It can seem a waste to use the Lord of the hosts will leave the worship of angels to pour out his life to the salvation of man. The sacrifice of the infinite God for mankind who is but dust may appear wasteful. But it is not so. For the value is on the object on which the gift is bestowed. Mary thought Jesus was worth it. And God thinks that we are worth it. It is mindblowing. I believe it. Do you believe it?

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