The fragrance filled the room. The sweet and rich scent tantalized each nostril. An entire jar of expensive perfume was used to anoint the feet of Jesus. She used her long hair as a towel. As she caressed His feet, the conversation started. Why did she waste the whole jar on His feet. Some thought that the jar of perfume should have been sold and the money used to help the poor. Efficiency and efficacy were more important in some minds. Let's be practical.
The adorning of Jesus is thought to be an extravagant when resources are poured out to Him is ways thought to be impractical. But interestingly, Jesus had a different opinion. He praised Mary's action here in John. He made note that the poor would always be with them. He also noted that He would soon be gone. Her action was an acceptable tribute to Him. Soon He would be headed to the cross and the grave.
I've thought a lot about Mary's reaction and Jesus' response. I confess, I've always leaned to the practical side of things. Ministry has always taken priority over extravagance. I struggle with elaborate buildings and furnishings that serve no particular purpose except for aesthetics. I know the importance of nice looking and functional facilities. However, I can't help but think how much ministry could be done for 3 or 6 or 12 million in buildings and furnishing.
When we remodeled a Wal-Mart building for our facility in 2000, I was proud that we saved about 3-5 million versus building a brand new building. Yet that year as I sat in an ancient open air coliseum in Israel, I couldn't help but note that is was built so that one could whisper on stage and be heard anywhere in the 10,000 plus seat arena. We just spent $25,000 plus on a sound system for 1,000 seat auditorium and we were still having trouble balancing the sound. Why couldn't my architect do that?
The question in my own mind is how often do I really bestow extravagance on Jesus? Ministry needs never go away. If I focus all my giving to just needs, do I lose real motivation. Should I be focusing a portion of my effort just on using my resources express my love and appreciation to Jesus? If I don't take time give of myself, my resources on just Him alone, what happens to my spirit?
God, I want to lavish you with my gifts, my love, my being.
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