Who Does She Think She Is?

If we were there that day in the home of Martha & Mary and their brother Lazarus, we would have seen Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet. She was eager to worship Him because He had just performed a miracle for her; He raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. Out of her gratitude she responded by giving the best she could. Grabbing her Alabaster jar, the most costly perfume she owned, she extravagantly poured it out on the feet of Jesus. So much that it ran down his ankles and between His toes, the puddle overflowed onto the floor. I’m sure she felt a little embarrassed by what seemed to be a careless act, so she loosened her hair and quickly used it to absorb the excess.

No doubt the aroma filled the house and anyone present could not ignore her act.  Many looked on in disbelief while others showed their dissatisfaction of her behavior on their faces. “Why waste this expensive perfume? It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” Judas, reprimanded her. He saw nothing good in Mary’s act.  

Oh the sting of criticism and judgment!

Maybe Judas was right, she could have saved some of the oil and sold it to the poor. Now feeling irresponsible she gazed around the room to see all the others shaking their heads in agreement.

I can relate to Mary. What about you? Have you been there on the floor in the presence of your King pouring your jar of expensive perfume upon the Savior’s feet, only to hear the remarks of those who observe you? “Who does she think she is?”

Those are the voices of the envious, who desire to do the same, but are unable to make the sacrifices. Jealous of your unrestrained display of worship to the Lord they belittle you, for choosing consecrated prayer over lunch dates with the girls, family devotions over watching Desperate Housewives, monthly bible study over girls’ night out. They despise you for your commitment to His word, His house and the things of Him, because they find too much pleasure in their words, their house, and the things of the world.

Like Judas, they are quick to criticize publically, hoping to pull together an allegiance on their side, distracting distract you from your extravagant worship. Yet in the midst of their ridicule Jesus comes to Mary’s defense and commands, "Leave her alone! Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ….I tell you the truth what she has done will also be told in memory of her forever."  Mark 14:6-9

Ah the truth bothers those who are filled with unfavorable motives and pretentious attitudes. Judas’s criticism was skewed and came from an ugly heart. He chose to judge Mary out of his own insignificance. He was angry she would choose better then him.

Sometimes the Jesus in us will bring out the devil in others. They don’t like it when we pursue righteousness while they lavish in worldliness.

But when you know the love of Jesus, when you experience who He really is, you can’t help but act different than the crowd. What seems costly and wasteful in the world’s view is ultimately beautiful, lovely, and acceptable in God’s view.

Don’t let their comments of judgment and secret ridicule of your consecration to the King of Kings distract you from your purpose. True worshippers will worship Him in spirit and in truth and will not be persuaded by the ways of the world who love Him in name only. Our King deserves our extravagant praise; He calls it beautiful!

Polly