Contrast Between Mary and Judas: Mark 14:3-9
“3) While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. 4) But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5) For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6) But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7) For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8) She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9) Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”” Mark 14:3-9
This story was also recorded in Matthew 26:6-23 and John 12:1-8. John adds some important details to the story. First, he gives the identity of the woman. It was non other than Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
The very costly perfume of pure nard may have been purchased for the burial of her brother Lazarus. It was used to cover the stench of death.
Second, John also identifies Judas as the one who complained about not selling the perfume. John also disclosed the true motive of Judas. He was embezzling the money from the money bag. He was a thief. Greedy people always try to control the way others spend their money.
Third, the three gospels all point out that the alabaster vial of pure nard was very expensive. John 13:5 pointed out that Judas had valued the nard at 300 denarii. I repeat, it was very valuable. Yet Mary broke it and anointed both the head and feet of Jesus with the perfume. Breaking the vial indicated she used it all on Jesus.
Furthermore, John added the detail that Mary used her hair to wipe the feet of Jesus with the perfume. She was bowed at the feet of Jesus in the posture of worship.
What a contrast to the testy demeanor she displayed toward Jesus as recorded in John 11:32-34 at the grave of her brother. She now valued Jesus more than any earthly treasure. Keep in mind, the meal was at the home of Simon the leper. Mary came prepared to worship! She brought the vial of perfume with her.
From this text we are also forced to wrestle with poverty. Judas stated the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus acknowledged the poor were always present, but He Himself would remain for just a short while longer.
Mary got it right! Jesus and not money is the best solution for poverty. No force on earth has come close to the work of Jesus Christ over the centuries through His church to help the poor and combat poverty.
Finally, Jesus pointed out that Mary was preparing His body for His coming burial. She was the only one present who understood and heeded His many prophetic warnings about His coming death, burial and resurrection. She alone was processing the gospel message which was about to be fulfilled. She was worshipping Jesus as the Savior of the world.
There are many applications to be gained from this story. The foremost might be the stark contrast between Mary and Judas. Mary focused on Jesus. Judas focused on the money. Both were fixated on their true God/god.
Be honest. What is your primary focus?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“3) While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. 4) But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5) For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6) But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7) For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8) She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9) Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”” Mark 14:3-9
This story was also recorded in Matthew 26:6-23 and John 12:1-8. John adds some important details to the story. First, he gives the identity of the woman. It was non other than Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
The very costly perfume of pure nard may have been purchased for the burial of her brother Lazarus. It was used to cover the stench of death.
Second, John also identifies Judas as the one who complained about not selling the perfume. John also disclosed the true motive of Judas. He was embezzling the money from the money bag. He was a thief. Greedy people always try to control the way others spend their money.
Third, the three gospels all point out that the alabaster vial of pure nard was very expensive. John 13:5 pointed out that Judas had valued the nard at 300 denarii. I repeat, it was very valuable. Yet Mary broke it and anointed both the head and feet of Jesus with the perfume. Breaking the vial indicated she used it all on Jesus.
Furthermore, John added the detail that Mary used her hair to wipe the feet of Jesus with the perfume. She was bowed at the feet of Jesus in the posture of worship.
What a contrast to the testy demeanor she displayed toward Jesus as recorded in John 11:32-34 at the grave of her brother. She now valued Jesus more than any earthly treasure. Keep in mind, the meal was at the home of Simon the leper. Mary came prepared to worship! She brought the vial of perfume with her.
From this text we are also forced to wrestle with poverty. Judas stated the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus acknowledged the poor were always present, but He Himself would remain for just a short while longer.
Mary got it right! Jesus and not money is the best solution for poverty. No force on earth has come close to the work of Jesus Christ over the centuries through His church to help the poor and combat poverty.
Finally, Jesus pointed out that Mary was preparing His body for His coming burial. She was the only one present who understood and heeded His many prophetic warnings about His coming death, burial and resurrection. She alone was processing the gospel message which was about to be fulfilled. She was worshipping Jesus as the Savior of the world.
There are many applications to be gained from this story. The foremost might be the stark contrast between Mary and Judas. Mary focused on Jesus. Judas focused on the money. Both were fixated on their true God/god.
Be honest. What is your primary focus?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
