A costly sacrifice

"Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume" (Jn. 12:3).

Most of us are familiar with the story of Mary anointing Jesus; we also remember how Judas protested. He says he thinks the perfume should have been sold so money could be given to the poor; but John informs us he's just greedy.

What struck me as I read it again this morning was that many would protest today, too, but for a different reason.

Remember, this perfume wasn't just one of the pricey ones on the locked shelf at Walgreens. This small jar was worth an entire year's wages.

And as I read it, I "heard" preachers today saying, "No, don't do that, Mary - you don't have to spend that much. Keep it for yourself. Jesus would want you to."

Of course Jesus wants us to have nice things. But rather than focus on what Mary could have done for herself, he said something we might not expect.

"'Leave her alone,' said Jesus. 'Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me'" (Mk. 14:6).

Jesus had no problem with Mary's costly sacrifice. In fact, he approves of it. I'm not sure many people really know that Jesus.

They argue, saying we're getting into "works" - trying to "earn" God's approval. But costly worship has nothing to do with us. It's all about identifying with Him.

Shortly after this occasion, John records Jesus' words about his approaching crucifixion: "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" (Jn. 12:27).

Jesus knew his Father. He knew his goodness. He also knew God doesn't do cheap. God wasn't going to save him from the sacrifice, because he knew the result was worth the price.

He allowed, even encouraged, Mary to pay a price, because he knew the Father would honor it.

It's Easter, and so many are talking about the price the Lord paid for us. It's true, he did.

But his sacrifice is only truly valuable in our lives if we acknowledge it for what it really was - an offer, an opportunity for us to do the same.

With the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been given a chance to follow in his footsteps, to live a costly life. We're being offered a chance to live a life like Paul, poured out like a drink offering. 

Jesus did it in honor and obedience to his Father, and "for the joy set before him."  We do it to honor the sacrifice he made for us, knowing he in turn honors the sweat, tears and even blood of those who lay down their lives for him.

Let's be a better picture of our God, who spared not his own Son for the sake of others. What can you give him this Easter?