Mark 14
May 19, 2022
“‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ‘Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me… She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’” (v6, 8-9)
Mary’s intent was likely to anoint Jesus as the Messiah, the true king of Israel. But her anointing also prepared Jesus for His death. The perfume she poured on his head dripped down his body, anointing him for burial. Mary’s ‘pouring out of something valuable’ foreshadows the Gospel and another ‘pouring out’ of something even more valuable – when (later in this chapter), Jesus will say to his disciples: “This is my blood, which is poured out for many.” (v24) What Mary does here both foreshadows the gospel and illustrates an appropriate response to the gospel. No wonder Jesus says that “wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (v9)
Lord Jesus, You are worthy of every extravagant expression of love and devotion I could possibly offer. Thank You for this picture of Mary pouring out upon You a year’s wages - inspired by her gratitude for Your grace. May I, too, pour out my life in grateful response to Your grace - in such a way that reflects this image of Mary pouring out her precious, costly perfume. And if anyone remembers my service to You in generations to come - may it (like Mary’s extravagant service) only point to You and Your gospel of grace.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
