Some of the guests at dinner at Simon’s house, have objected strongly to this woman who has interrupted the dinner to pour expensive perfume over Jesus’ head. They have been rebuking her harshly. But Jesus leaps to her defence.

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Mark 14:6–8

Even though their criticism of this woman was logical, Jesus rejects the logic of her accusers, because he knows their hearts. He knows their self-serving pride and hypocrisy. Jesus accepts only that which is motivated by love, no matter what the opinions of others might be regarding right or wrong.

Jesus isn’t saying not to look after the poor. Instead, what he is saying is that he comes first. Whatever it is that we may do, when we do it because we love him first, it is a beautiful thing.

This woman gave all she had. That’s the only kind of sacrifice that God accepts. When we love Jesus like that, the actions of our life will conform to the shape of the cross. That’s why Jesus said that she had anointed him for his burial.

Jesus rejects the shame that the others wish to load upon this woman, and he replaces it with honour. In the same story in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says to Simon, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Luke 7:47.

Check with yourself: Does your great love for Jesus show that you’re many sins have been forgiven?

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