Friends laughed around the table that evening. Joy intermingled with a sorrow no one could name. But in this comfortable place, with the people she loved most and with whom she felt she could be herself, a nameless woman made a decision. For a moment she disappeared from the room. Then, with a soft crack, a warm, luxurious scent filled the space. And the room stilled. All eyes were on her as she poured the sweet, spiced oil on his head.
While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
Jesus meant everything to her. In his presence, she found total acceptance, meaning, and purpose. She was a devoted follower. From the Teacher, she learned how to truly live. Her eyes fully open, her mind awakened with understanding. As the beautiful aroma filled the room, she demonstrated what she believed about Jesus. He was her prophet, her priest, and her king.
A Costly Gift, A Room Divided
She gave with abandon. The costliness of her gift made evident to everyone. In that moment of pure obedience, pure joy, she didn’t worry about the opinions of others. No one else mattered. Until it did. And suddenly her act of undignified worship looked wrong.
Have you felt that, too? Been criticized because you wanted to honor God through obedience? Attacked by people you thought were your friends? Or at the very least people you considered co-workers in the cause?
When Obedience Looks Like Waste
Maybe the low grumbling started soft. Or maybe there was a violent outburst. But whether they spoke aloud or not, the men in the room reacted with strong emotion. The words used indicate they responded with rage. How dare this woman waste something so valuable? As if her extravagant love cost them something, too.
Before I am quick to cast blame on these men who refused to see the woman’s gift properly, I need to remember their point of view. To give was the highest form of love. Jewish culture required supporting those who were not able to help themselves. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 reminds the people to “give generously to the poor … there will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor …” Giving wasn’t just a suggestion. It was a command. These men believed she was breaking one of the most important laws of their community.
Yet, instead of looking for something positive about her offering, they were incensed. Instead of gentle correction, they complained. Instead of praising her for giving something so precious to Jesus, they rebuked her.
She gave without holding back. And in surrendering herself to the freedom the outcome wasn’t encouragement, but restraint. We aren’t given insight into her response. But, I can imagine that her hands froze when they began to scold her. Maybe tears filled her eyes. Confusion reigned in her heart. Why was her choice condemned? After all, later we learn what her actions really meant. Perhaps she already knew.
So often I allow the naysayers to silence me. I let the world tell me I can’t. The enemy sits on my shoulder rebuking me. Who do you think you are? Why are you wasting valuable time and energy on something so useless? My act of reckless love looks wrong. In front of others it feels uncomfortable. I continue to question my call and doubt my abilities. Instead of letting go and following through in obedience, I hesitate and allow myself to believe the lies.
Leave her alone... She has done a beautiful thing to me. — Mark 14:6 (ESV)
The Only One That Matters
But there was one who came to her rescue. One whose acceptance meant everything to her. The words of the original language express Jesus’ heart. This woman’s intentional labor of love was a beautiful thing in his eyes. She had chosen the good thing. The sacrifice she made, like the widow’s coins, was precious in his sight. Not only that, but her work would be remembered as long as the story of the Gospel continued. Jesus received the gift, but others would be blessed.
Can’t you see the smile that filled her face? Through the tears of grief and loss, through the embarrassment and shame, Jesus’ words healed her broken heart. Her obedience led to reward.
And isn’t that what we’re all looking for? The joy of hearing, “Well done!” To have our work mean something? To last?
Will You Give Your Everything Anyway?
The hurtful words will come. There will always be people who try to stop us. The enemy still works to destroy God’s plan and God’s people. But in the middle of jealousy, pain, and hurt, do you have the courage to keep going? Can you allow the truth of Jesus to heal your heart and give you hope? Though the tears come and you experience shame and humiliation, would you be willing to give your everything to Jesus anyway?
I know I will.
This week, ask yourself: Is there something I've held back from God because I'm afraid of what people will think? What would it look like to pour it out anyway?
If this met you where you are, join my weekly newsletter — I send reflections like this one straight to your inbox.