Read Mark 14

Highlights:

Plot against Jesus; Jesus' last Passover; Lord's Supper instituted; prayer in Gethsemane; Judas' betrayal; Peter's denial; Jesus on trial; Christ's crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

Being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment (Mark 14:3).

Simon, a former leper, had invited Jesus and the disciples to his home for supper. As they sat eating, Mary poured a cruise of oil upon the head of Jesus (John 12:1-8; Matt. 26:6-13). This very precious ointment of spikenard was valued at three hundred denari, almost a year's wages (Matt. 20:2). But the disciples were indignant saying: Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her . . . . saith . . . Judas Iscariot . . . because he was a thief, and had the bag (Mark 14:4-5; John 12:4-6).

Mary's anointing of Jesus reveals an important contrast between her insight and devotion to the Lord and the insensitive response of the disciples. We read that she brake the box, and poured it on His head (Mark 14:3). Her actions not only demonstrated her deep devotion and love for the Savior but also the keen insight she had into His true identity and purpose. This is made clear by Christ's own interpretation (14:6-9).

Her actions revealed that she knew Christ as King. Since such an extravagant gift was only lavished on a king. She knew Him as Priest since as our Royal Priest, He received the anointing (14:8). And she also grasped that fact that He must die. Jesus had revealed this fact to the disciples but they hadn't understood. His anointing was an act of faith and devotion. Like Mary, we should all understand that the reason for His death was her (our) sin and the significance of His death and resurrection was her (our) salvation.

Mary turned all attention on the Lord and His person. Judas and the disciples turned the issue from Christ onto the poor. The disciples were motivated by greed and jealousy. This also shows that the spiritual always takes precedence over the social. To turn the Gospel of the Savior into just a social Gospel is to pervert the message of the cross.

Like Mary, as Christ followers we should always take advantage of any opportunity to serve the Savior according to our capacity and ability. Jesus has said: She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying (Mark 14:8).

Thought for Today:

Jesus' death on the cross brought victory over the power of sin. By His sacrifice we receive life everlasting!

Cross References:

For Mark 14:27: See Zech. 13:7. Mark 14:62: See Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13. Mark 15:24: See Ps. 22:18. Mark 15:28: See Is. 53:12. Mark 15:29: See Ps. 22:7-8. Mark 15:34: See Ps. 22:1. Mark 16:19: See Ps. 110:1.

Word Studies:

14:31 spake the more vehemently, protested emphatically; 14:65 buffet Him, hit Him with their fists; 15:15 scourged, whipped; 15:38 twain, two; 16:16 damned, condemned to eternal hell.

Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Is. 2:3).

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8