Mark 14:1-9 - Mary of Bethany
with Matt. 26:6-13, John 12:1-8
Problems: (1) 2 anointings (Luke 7:36 - "sinful woman") This = not Mary of Bethany
= different woman/Simon/occasion (early ministry) (Galilee)
(2) "2 days" (Mark) vs. "6 days" (John) before Passover
Possible Mark begins with "2 days before...." and then backs up a couple days
So.. Tuesday? Wednesday? before the crucifixion. (hard to determine, their day begins at sundown)
Mark 14:1-2
Passover celebrates the 10th plague resulting in delivery from Egypt
Feast of Unleavened Bread starts the next day - lasts 7 days.
At this time, the leadership NOT content to discredit Jesus. NOW want to eliminate Him!
But..... "not during the Feast"
Because ... Jerusalem is full of pilgrims with Messianic Fervor (delivered from Egypt!!! Deliver from Rome???)
Therefore, leaders fear a riot and revolt which would result in Roman military action (which DID happen in AD70)
They planned to wait til after the feast, but God didn't!!
Mark 14:3
Simon = a healed Leper? (still called Simon, the leper) so.... appreciation dinner?
Reclining at leisurely meals (started with Greeks, then to Romans, and then the Mediterranean)
Woman = Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus (identified by John)
Alabaster resembles marble but is soft, carve-able!!
Nard (spikenard) from the root of Himalayan Plant (very costly!!!) Very condensed (ie: strong)
Question: Why did Mary have this nard??? heirloom? investment? future security? burial preparation? (her own)
What we do know....
(1) she broke the bottle
(2) she emptied it on Jesus
(3) she poured it on His head and feet (John's account)
(4) she wiped His feet with her hair (John's account)
(5) the odor "filled the house" - very strong
This = act of pure love and devotion
Mark 14:4-5 - OBJECTIONS!!! "year's wages!!"
Some justification in this criticism!! (could assist the poor!)
BUT ... (1) we don't always know the mind of God!!!
(disciples "wasted" Jesus "beautiful thing"
and (2) criticism came largely from Judas - John 12:4-6
Jesus' response? Mark 14:6-9
Question: Mary recognized what the disciples missed? the cross? Don't know.
BUT ... she = good listener!! - Luke 10:39 Paid attention when He spoke
By Contrast ... Judas Mark 14:10-11
Question: What motivated Judas??
- the rebuke?
- realization that the Kingdom wasn't coming as he thought (get on the winning side?)
- force Jesus' hand - to be Warrior Messiah?
- overwhelmed by Satan's temptations?/ (John 13:27)
- predestined??
Can question/debate Judas' motives ... but actions speak!!
So..... Acts of Mary vs. Acts of Judas!!
OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS/APPLICATION
#1. Mary's gift - extravagant and to be praised!!
BUT... The Value of an offering s not determined by cost. Example: Widow's Mite!!
Lev. 5:7 give the best you can! (sin offering)
(this = gift at Jesus' presentation in the temple when 8 days old! Luke 2:24)
#2. The Smallest offering (properly given) is never overlooked or forgotten.
Mal. 3:16 - He doesn't miss a thing, forget a thing
Matt. 25:34-40
Contrast large gift Improperly given!! - 1 Cor. 13:1-3 Will not be accepted.
Motive = important
#3. You cannot know what a difference your gift might make -
Mary's gift? - remembered where ever gospel preached
Widow's Mite? likewise
Little boy's lunch?
#4. The greatest gift is the gift of yourself
Which = what Mary was signifying - giving herself - Rom. 12:1-2 - "living sacrifice"
#5. The most difficult gifts are the ones that can be re-claimed!! Mary's nard/Widow's mite = GONE!!
But: example: "Lord, I give myself and my all to you!" ie: today!!!!!
but tomorrow? next week? next year?
Not so difficult giving initially, but staying. Then have to re-commit.
One more thing to note here...
ie: when the anointing was done, Jesus was fragrant and the whoe house was fragrant!!
BUT ... so was Mary!! ie: after the anointing... the fragrance stuck to her also!!
Point = your gift follows you, goes with you, sticks to you.
in other words,
#6. Your gift changes YOU!!! and people around you. Is not to change God.
The more we give away to the Lord, the more the faith grows!
Closing Scripture: Luke 6:38
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