She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. (Mk. 14:8 ESV)

Knowing that the Passover would lead to his crucifixion, Jesus, with the apostles, rather than going into Jerusalem, for two days were guests in a home not far away in Bethany. While there, a significant incident occurred. You will doubtless remember it.

A woman came to the table where they were eating. (Matthew and John tell us this was Mary, Lazarus’ sister) She carried with her an alabaster vial of pure nard, a very expensive imported aromatic oil. In this case, the filled vial cost three years wages for the average worker. She came to Jesus, broke that vial, then poured the oil over His head anointing Him with it.

No doubt that vial of Nard was Mary’s treasure. Some think she may have been saving it for when she married. Certainly, it was the most valuable things she owned, But she also understood the risk of Jesus coming to Jerusalem. She knew the powerful were targeting Him. In this act, she publically declares her devotion to the one who raised her brother and she believes is the Messiah. To make this unmistakable, she took the most precious thing she had and used it to declare that He deserved all she could give in recognition and acknowledgment of who He was!

I remind us of all this because Jesus declared she would be remembered as long as the gospel is preached. When the apostles, led by Judas, began scolding her for such a waste, Jesus intervened telling them not to bother her because “She has done what she could, she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.” (Mark 14:8) It’s important to recognize that it was out of her devotion she found the courage and strength to act. She did not do it for show but as an expression of loving commitment to the Savior. What a great blessing to hear the Him say “You did what you could!”

That raised some questions I asked myself. And perhaps we all need to ask them of ourselves. Consider them with me:

Have I done all I could to declare my devotion to Jesus?
Have I been intimidated; fearful to let my devotion be known by others?
Have I given my best to Him, or only what seemed appropriate at the time?
Is loving Him more important to me than what I have or want or people say?
What will he say about me when I stand in His presence?

How do you answer?