Mark 14:3-9 (NIV )

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. 6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.

 

This passage of Mark’s gospel speaks a mighty message. Many of us are eager to find better uses for other peoples money. We say things like "If I had his money I would...".

 

Like some of those present we are busy gossiping about her priority, and rebuking her for her affection; Jesus reminds us in verse eight "She did what she could".

 

Sometimes our priorities do not match up with God’s desire. We may think we are taking care of an earth changing imperative when all we need do is lavish our affection on Him.

 

It inspires me to know she did what she could and that was enough. Let me ask you, have you set your affection on Jesus? Are you doing what you can?