Study 38
Devotion and greed
After looking at the future, Mark focuses on the incidents leading up to the greatest event in the past. It all happened at the busiest time of the year the Passover - so that all could see the Passover was a perfect picture of an event about to occur - Jesus' death. (We will look at this in greater detail next time) .
The preparation
In verses 1 and 2 the plot is hatched for Jesus' death. Jesus however is still in control. In this incident he is prepared for His burial as a woman pours expensive perfume - her greatest possession - on Him.
There were some present who had heard Jesus say He was going to die to save men from their sins but they still could not see it. They felt the poor needed only to have their temporal needs met and their problems would
be solved. This woman knew Jesus' death meant that real good news could be preached to the poor (see Luke 4: 18). She saw that Jesus' death would meet man's eternal need. Money might help but it can never solve all problems or bring eternal happiness.
Jesus is not saying that Christians should not give to the poor. We should. But we should also be like this woman who when she saw the death of Christ poured out her greatest possession on him. Her actions can be summed up in the great hymn:
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine that were an offering far too small love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all.
In verse 9 Jesus says wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world this woman will be spoken of. As you read this, and as others read in Asia, America, Australasia, Africa, we are proving Jesus' words 2000 years later.
The betrayer
We see the very opposite attitude in Judas Iscariot at the end of the story. Judas was a follower of Jesus and yet he betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. He remained a follower only as long as he was gaining from it. Remember this man saw the miracles and the love of Jesus and yet he betrayed Him because he was in love with himself.
Jesus says "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself ". This woman did just that. Sadly Judas never did.
Time to think
- What will you give in response to Jesus’ love for you?
- What does it mean to deny yourself?
If you have any questions during or after completing this study please email Us