She Did What She Could

-March 27, 2022-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

“…She has done a good work for Me” (Mark 14:6b).

“She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial” (Mark 14:8).

Mary of Bethany was not only a believer in Jesus, but she was a dear friend of His. When in Bethany, he visited the home Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. They were two sisters and a brother. It was like His own home. The cross is just days ahead. The woman in the text is unnamed, but most Bible scholars agree it was Mary of Bethany. She brought a flask of very costly fragrant oil to anoint Jesus with it. The disciples, mostly Judas, thought she was wasting it since it was worth three hundred denarii, worth nearly a year’s wages, and could have sold and the money given to the poor. I am sure she had been keeping this precious perfume for her future wedding day.

While the disciples criticized her, Jesus commended her for what she did. He made three statements of her: “She has done a good work for Me; She has done what she could;” and She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.” Jesus was so touched and impressed by her devotion and generosity that He said, “Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her” (Mark 14:9).

• She has done a good work for Me – What she did was all for Jesus. She brought it and she poured out on His head, that same blessed head that soon would wear the crown of thorns. Everything we do for Jesus is seen, known, and will be rewarded by our Lord and Savior. Nothing will ever be a waste. We can never do enough or give enough to be worthy of Him.

• She has done what she could – Jesus commended for doing what she could. God never asks us to do more than we are able to do. She gave the best she had for the Best that ever walked this earth. Every gift, talent, skill, ability, and material, and financial thing we have is given to us by God to be used for His service. Are we doing what we can? Can we do more?

• She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial – This dear sister knew that Jesus was going to the cross. At it turned out, because of His resurrection, the women that came to the tomb on Easter Sunday did not have the chance to anoint His body after His death. She was ahead of her time. She didn’t miss the opportunity. Unfortunately, sometimes we miss opportunities to serve the Lord.

May the Lord help us to do as much as we can for Jesus, in His name, and for His glory. Let it be said of us, “they did what they could.” Oh, that He will be well pleased with the results. It will suffice us to hear His words in the future, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We may think of it as little, but God sees it as much.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day worshiping, serving, and giving what we can. Stay safe and healthy.

In the name of Jesus,

Dean