Six days before the Passover, we find the story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anointing Jesus with very costly oil of spikenard from an alabaster flask (this story is found in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and John 12:2-8). The cost of this ointment was said to be more than 300 denarii. A denarius was a day’s wage for a common laborer, so this ointment was the value of almost a year’s wage! Mary broke the flask and anointed Jesus’ head and feet. Following the lead of Judas, all of the disciples were indignant about this great “waste” and criticized Mary sharply. Judas reasoned that it instead should have been given to the poor. John notes that Judas did not care about the poor, but was a thief, and had the money box: and he used to take what was put in it.
The response of Jesus is profound. 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 14:6-9)
This reminds me of the poor widow who gave two mites, all that she had, into the temple treasury (Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 21:1-4). Jesus commends the sacrificial giving of both these women, although the values of the gifts differed vastly. He praised each for doing what she could, although it seemed to others like a waste of money or like a very small amount. Both of these accounts of extravagant giving have been recorded in God’s eternal Word for all to read!
Whether with money, time, or some other way, how is the Lord tugging at our hearts to give for the cause of Christ today? We will never regret it and He will bless our efforts to do what we can by His grace! Let’s not let our inability to do everything we would like to do keep us from doing the something that we can and ought to do. Here is a quote and then a song to underscore this truth:
I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will.
Edward Everett Hale
Little is Much, When God Is in It – Kittie L. Suffield
In the harvest field now ripened, Thereās a work for all to do;
Hark! the Masterās voice is calling, To the harvest calling you.
Refrain:
Little is much when God is in it! Labor not for wealth or fame;
Thereās a crown, and you can win it, If you go in Jesusā name.
In the mad rush of the broad way, In the hurry and the strife,
Tell of Jesusā love and mercy, Give to them the Word of Life.
Does the place youāre called to labor, Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it, And Heāll not forsake His own.
Are you laid aside from service, Body worn from toil and care?
You can still be in the battle, In the sacred place of prayer.
When the conflict here is ended, And our race on earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful, āWelcome home, My childāwell done!ā
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Keith Neds