By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Prepares
Mark 14:3–11, 32–36
Misunderstood (3–5)
As Jesus was in the home of Simon the leper a woman poured expensive oil on Jesus’ head. This expensive perfume could be sold for almost a year’s wages.
To put this gift in perspective, can you imagine someone in Alabama spending $40,000 on a rare perfume only to empty it — a year’s income gone in an instant? Some of us would whisper, “This extravagance is a waste. Think what we can do with this money.”
From this perspective we understand the reaction of some in the crowd. What the people misunderstood is Jesus is the object of this precious offering. The question is “how much is too much devotion to Christ?”
Perhaps a little bit of expensive perfume is okay, but to break open an entire jar on Jesus seems too extravagant. This kind of thinking is a misunderstanding of the time and person.
The hour of Christ’s departure is at hand and He is the Lord who is worthy of all praise, glory and honor. The God-ordained time to display extravagant love to the Messiah was at hand. If this woman delayed it would be too late.
Honored (6–9)
Instead of rebuking this woman Christ commends her for doing “what she could” (literally translated “what she had she did”). In other words, much like the widow with the two coins, she gave all she had (Mark 12:41–44). This woman apparently pours out everything she has on Jesus. Christ honors this kind of radical devotion.
Furthermore Jesus connects her act with His imminent death. Therefore, the woman pouring out costly perfume foreshadows Jesus pouring out something even more costly — His blood on the cross. Neither the perfume nor Jesus’ blood is a waste.
Jesus honors this woman’s extravagant sacrifice by declaring her act will be remembered through the ages as the gospel is proclaimed.
Betrayed (10–11)
In stark contrast to this woman is Judas. While this woman shows an act of extraordinary adoration one of Jesus’ disciples is seeking to profit from the Messiah. Did Judas care about the poor? No. Matthew and John state that Judas was only concerned with stealing money for himself (Matt. 26:15; John 12:6). A woman gave her all while a disciple took what he could.
Judas, controlled by Satan, went to the chief priests with a plan to betray Jesus for silver. Much as the woman’s precious gift will always be remembered, so will Judas’ acts of treachery and betrayal never be forgotten. We must realize that everyone who betrays Christ will ultimately fail and face judgment.
Committed (32–36)
After participating in the Passover meal Jesus led His disciples to Gethsemane (literally olive press) for prayer. In this place, where large stones were put upon the olives to squeeze out the oil, Jesus experiences the weight of what would soon be placed upon Him — the sins of the world.
This weight is so heavy Jesus falls to the ground in deep distress. Exactly where olives are pressed Jesus is pressed with excruciating agony so heavy that sweat is “squeezed out” like drops of blood (Luke 22:44).
What was this weight? My sins and your sins. He who knew no sin was about to become sin so we might be made right with God (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus overcomes this intense agony by intense prayer as He commits Himself to the Father’s will.
As we end today’s study in Gethsemane let us pause and thank Jesus for willingly bearing the weight of our sin. Furthermore let us model our Savior in our prayers — “not what I will but what You will.”
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