Spy Wednesday | 3.27.24
For those who desire to love Jesus extravagantly...
If my middle name was not timelessly, classically Elizabeth, it might instead be caution. I am nothing if not careful, especially in decision-making. I weigh every option, I examine the data, I make notes about the possible outcomes. None of this “go with your gut” nonsense: I want the cold, hard facts. I want assurances. I want guarantees. I am a risk-mitigator par excellence. I don’t do muchness. I do caution.
And so I read today’s story and think, I really, really wish I could see myself as Mary. Mary, Lazarus’ sister, who brought the most extravagant, beautiful treasure and gave it completely in worship of Jesus. Mary, who cracked open the alabaster vial and anointed the head of the Great High Priest. With the deliberation of someone popping the cork on a $10,000 bottle of champagne, Mary threw caution to the wind and poured out her most valuable possession in anointing Jesus.
I am afraid I find myself among those who protested. The indignant skinflints, justifying their outrage by reminding Jesus this investment wouldn’t have been wasted if it had been used, for example, to feed the poor. That makes sense. That seems reasonable. That looks nice on a Good Christian Resume, in contrast to “once poured out equivalent of entire life savings onto the head of Jesus of Nazareth”.
But the upside down kingdom He came to establish was dawning and Jesus rebukes the protestors and He celebrates this friend of His who made a gesture of radical generosity and worship. He rebukes the misers and welcomes the honor and kindness of Mary’s anointing.
This is Jesus, turning our reasonableness upside down and accepting wild and free adoration from those who love Him. It’s Jesus, who rebukes my stinginess, my fear, my resistance, and invites me to draw courage from my sister Mary and her alabaster jar.
This is Jesus, inviting us to imagine — just imagine! — what it would be like to bring our absolute best and most wonderful to Him. To anoint Him with everything we’ve got: our joy, our tears, our hopes and our wildest longings, believing that in His presence and at His feet we find our hopes blessedly fulfilled.
TO READ:
Old Testament prophecy: Zechariah 11:12-13
Mary Anoints Jesus: Mark 14:1-9
Judas’s Bargain: Luke 22:3-6
From the psalms: Psalm 23
TO MEDITATE:
“'She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. '
Mark 14:8
What invitation to extravagant worship might Jesus be offering to you?
We’ll see you tomorrow, friends. 🫶🏽
PS: We know that Mary’s anointing Jesus was the final straw for Judas — he took his leave to secure a bargain betrayal with the religious leaders. Although we didn’t spend time with him here today, we encourage you to continue reading the supporting scriptures to embrace the full story of these final days of Jesus’ life before His death and resurrection.
PS: If you’re not sure about your Easter Sunday plans… may we recommend joining the Grace family? You can get more info about our celebration at the link here:
I so love and appreciate "Where Grace Women Gather". Thankyou......