Growing up with two brothers, there were times I felt a little outnumbered. Once, I came home from dance class to find my favorite doll held hostage in a game of cops and robbers. Shrieking, I dodged foam darts to rescue her from the basement war zone. I sulked away, dreaming of ways to avenge my doll’s honor. I was in no mood to share.
As an adult, the things we hold most dear might be our family, time, or resources. But when someone tries to lay a hand on our precious commodities, you’d better believe we can still throw a toddler-sized tantrum. Our fists close tighter and tighter around the stuff that gives our lives meaning, and we lose sight of the only one who can bring true meaning to our lives.
There are many accounts throughout the Bible where God asks people to loosen their grip for the sake of the gospel. One such story is found when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22). We can all immediately recognize the costliness of being asked to give up a child. Abraham obeyed even that most painful instruction because he trusted God. Ultimately the Lord spared Isaac and provided a lamb for sacrifice, painting the illustration of things to come. God would give up His own perfect Son as the Lamb on our behalf. In doing so, God Himself paid the price we deserved.
While many of us struggle to hand over our idols when pressed, there are some followers of Jesus who freely give without even being asked. Mary of Bethany (according to John 12:2–3) was one such saint. Nobody guilted her into an offering, and yet she took what was probably the most expensive thing she owned, a vat of perfume, and lavishly broke it over the head of the Messiah. The Pharisees criticized her generosity, feigning concern for the poor, but Jesus saw through their calculating hearts.
Christ praised Mary’s extravagant gift, saying her act will forever be “told in memory of her” (Mark 14:9). Mary chose to live open-handedly, and it was counted as eternally significant. She gave away treasures on earth to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). And in doing so, she built a legacy that mattered. Before Mary even walked the earth, her actions were affirmed in the wisdom writings: “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1).
Both Mary and Abraham earned good names for themselves by living as one anointed for death. We, too, are called to live anointed for death. Jesus said that if we want to follow Him, we must die to ourselves and take up our crosses (Matthew 16:24). As Christians, that means we must loosen our grip on earthly things and focus our eyes on heavenly things.
When we think about the impact we want to have in our lifetimes, let’s remember Mary of Bethany, who poured out her gifts for the ultimate gift giver. By dying to ourselves and joining with Christ in His anointing for burial, we are covered in the perfume of grace. Then our legacy will become a fragrant offering of Christ to the world (2 Corinthians 2:15).
I love Mary of Bethany, she’s probably my favourite woman in scripture. This is Mary, sister of Martha, who knew it was more important to sit at Jesus’ feet listening than to make herself busy. She sent for Jesus when her brother Lazarus was sick, mourns that if he had been there, her brother had not died. She’s a witness to him raising Lazarus from the dead. When Mary anoints him with expensive perfume, she is preparing him for his burial. In a way that not even his disciples understood, she somehow knew what had to happen next. And I love what the Lord promises her: than anywhere the gospel is taught, people would speak her name with honour. Mary gives us such an example of an open heart and deep spiritual understanding! I pray that I can be more like her, in discerning priorities, in knowing who to turn to in my time of need, and in understanding my Savior.
Yes and amen, Asha. ❤️
Amen Churchmouse. Beautifully said.
Praying for you and for all the Lovelies who meet here.
When I consider Judas’ stingy greed and Mary’s extravagant giving, I see myself somewhere between the two. So I turn away from the example of Judas and turn toward that of Mary and pray to be more free in generous giving to my Lord first and foremost, then to my neighbor!
❤️
Satan is always looking for a good opportunity for us to betray our Lord. Let us not inadvertently open a door for him. Let us don the armor of God and pray without ceasing. Let us be steadfast disciples of the Book. Let us be worshippers not worriers. Let us feed our faith and not our fears. Let us encourage one another. And oh, let us be still and know that He is God. And He loves us.
❤️
Amen
I love the juxtaposition of Judas and Mary. His tight fist. Her generous open palm. His closed thoughts; her open heart. His is the aroma of death leading to death; hers is the aroma of life leading to life (2 Cor2:16). Today as we sit in our house I am going to do what I can (Mark 14) and share some fancy perfume with my girls and tell them the story of Mary of Bethany.
I love these thoughts and this idea!
I ❤️ this! Ingrid, this will forever be a memory in their little hearts. I’m going to be praying for you right now. Sounds like so much fun.
What a great image!
I had a silly moment in my devotional time today. The image came into my head of Mary cracking this jar on Jesus’s head, him saying “ouch!” and both of them laughing and looking at each other with the the love of intimate friends. Like they had a best friends secret moment. Hoping you all do not find this irreverent. It just so gave me a picture of the intimacy of having Jesus for a friend. He was real. He loved. He laughed. And He gave His life for me. May I open my hands so I may share in the intimacy that He offers. I love You, Lord.
Love the word picture of Jesus saying, “Ouch!” Makes Him more real, and more human, which makes me realize even more the price He paid for me, for us.
I have been reminded lately – many times – to loosen my grip… to approach many things with open palms, and not tight fists. Just when I think my palms are open, I read or hear a teaching and realize they could be looser… they could be more open.
Help me, Lord, to continue to open my hands towards you.
❤️
Praying for you Anonymous. Jesus loves you. Lean into Him. Praying protection for you. Know He is there, Do what you do for Him. Other people’s reaction does not devalue you walking with Jesus,or your obedience to Him. Your reward is drawing near to the King and His words Well done. Praying too if you are not safe, for God’s help. Reach out, find help if you need it. Know you are loved beyond measure. Mark 14:3-11 really spoke to me this morning. The contrast between Mary’s adoration of Jesus and Judas’ disregard for Jesus. How many times has my focus become all about me, my need, my desires. Lord help me to pour out the nard, to be extravagant in my praise, to be about you first. God forgive me when I have not trusted you, you who has always cared so sweetly for my needs, sacrificed so much for my sin. Lord open my hands, my mouth, my pockets, my time, my all, that I would be Your hands and feet. Amen.