She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.
Mark 14:8-9
This un-named woman who anointed Jesus in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper did what Jesus Himself called a “beautiful thing” (Mark 16:6). Her gift of great cost foreshadowed His coming death. It sets in motion in Mark’s gospel a clear shift in direction to focusing on the events that led to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus went so far as to declare that this extravagant “waste” on her part would go on to be an important piece of the gospel story. It is included in other written gospels in fulfillment of Jesus’ own commendation of her generous love and worship. One gift can impact the world!
Her gift foreshadowed what Jesus Himself was about to do. Once broken and poured over Jesus, the fragrant nard could never be taken back. It was given once and memorialized for all time. Jesus would pour out His life once, and His gift would be sufficient for all eternity as a “once for all” sacrifice for all humanity.
This gift this woman gave was very costly, the equivalent of nearly a year’s income for the average worker. Yet she had no reservations in pouring it all out. Similarly, the life of Christ is beyond value, yet Jesus willingly poured it out for us so that in giving His life, our sins would be atoned.
Her gift was part of the gospel “good news” as she foretold His death by pre-anointing His body for burial. And the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus comprises the gospel “good news” that all sinners should be told so that they may hear, know, believe, and trust in Jesus alone for eternal salvation. In that full truth of how and why Jesus died and was raised again is the joy of the greatest gift!
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