The Value of a Gift

It’s interesting that when we read through the Bible, we read very little about the great historical figures of the day. The great Caesars or Herods or the mighty armies of Rome are merely backdrops for the greatest story ever told. They serve as points of reference chronologically.

But in reality, these people and events were secondary. It reminds us that God sees things differently from how we see them.

Also, we don’t find every miracle, every teaching, and everything that Jesus did in the Gospels. John points out, “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25 NLT).

The Holy Spirit selected certain miracles, certain teachings, and certain events in the life and ministry of Christ to be included in the four Gospels for our benefit. And the story of Mary in Bethany is one of them.

Things were coming to a head in the life and ministry of Jesus. He’d had a number of increasingly confrontational exchanges with the religious leaders. They were ticked off at Him, and they wanted Him out of the picture. In short, they wanted Jesus killed.

But they couldn’t do it yet because it was Passover. There were thousands of pilgrims jamming Jerusalem, and Jesus, though controversial, still had His admirers. Thus, they weren’t going to strike yet. But they were plotting against Him.

Meanwhile, Jesus decided to go and spend time with some of His friends. And among those friends were Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. No doubt they relished those moments with Him. They could legitimately say that Jesus was their friend.

One day, they were with Jesus in Bethany, at the home of Simon, someone whom the Bible identifies as previously having leprosy (see Matthew 26:6). Jesus had just taught the Olivet Discourse, and no doubt there were some follow-up questions. Not only that, but Lazarus had been newly resurrected. It must have been an incredible conversation.

And then Mary, deeply moved by what she saw, had to do something dramatic, something extravagant, to demonstrate her love for Jesus. She came with an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil and poured it on Jesus as He sat at the table. It effectively was her life savings.

It’s worth noting that whenever we read about Mary, she’s at the feet of Jesus. Maybe that is why she had the insight she did. Mary took advantage of every opportunity to hear what Jesus had to say.

Jesus was so impressed by Mary’s act of devotion that He said, “I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed” (Matthew 26:13 NLT).

What is the most precious thing in your life right now? Have you presented it to Jesus yet? That is what Mary did. And it cost her everything. The value of a gift is determined not by how much it costs but by how much it costs you.

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