MATTHEW 26:6 – 13

In the previous post I challenged myself. I struggle with my sinful nature. I tire of my sinful nature. I wonder if God tires of my sin. If I were God, I would be tired of hearing David one more time coming for forgiveness.

Which, perhaps, is why I notice how Matthew puts side-by-side examples of real “full-on” betrayal, and “full-on” devotion.

Matthew, Mark, and John report these accounts. If we read all three, we will fill in a few details. We learn this is Mary, Lazarus’ sister. We learn this anointing comes after Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead. We learn that the disciple who complained that this was a waste of money was Judas.

Matthew gives us one statement I want to point out that I believe will help draw this together.

In verse 13 we read, “Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her.”

I underlined the bit that caught my attention. In the midst of this act of devotion, Matthew makes the point about mission—that the Gospel is to be preached in the whole world—and in part people will learn about Jesus through this act of complete devotion.

As I look at this act of complete devotion, I notice a few things.

1.    Mary is unconcerned about what others might think. Consider for a moment what she is doing as she anoints Jesus’ feet with her hair—how often do I worry about what others might think of me if I were to get too carried away in my devotion to Jesus?

2.    Mary is unconcerned about how much she is giving to Jesus—how often do I hold back what I give to Jesus?

3.    Mary is not preaching at others, not condemning others, she is wholly looking at Jesus—how much of my energy is spent looking at Jesus?

Perhaps, rather the key might be to where I focus my energy—am I focused on my devotion to Jesus?