Worship Opportunities

It’s holy week, and my mind’s still been spinning with the thoughts of Mary’s love for Jesus… the “why” behind it and her demonstration of it.

Last week I reflected on Mary’s heartfelt offering given in worship of the Lord and the scrutiny she received from the disciples as seen in Matthew 26:6-16 (see also Mark 14:3-11 and John 12:1-7). If you missed it and want to read it, you can find it here. 

I’ve loved meditating on these accounts, and today I’m dwelling on part of the significance of this act. Three things stood out to me. It was substantial, symbolic, and shared.

First, it was substantial. Matthew records that the contents of this broken vessel could’ve been sold for a great deal. Mark and John get more specific and say it could’ve been sold for 300 denarii, which according to commentators, was equal to a year’s wages. 

Can you imagine sacrificing a year’s salary for the Lord? It’s a radical act not only of adoration but also of faith for future provision. I am asking myself, “Do I trust the Lord in these radical ways?” What would a “years wages” look like in giving my time, resources, or energy?

Second, it was symbolic. I don’t know what was going through Mary’s heart and mind when she poured out the oil, but think back to people in the Old Testament who were anointed with oil: prophets (1 Kings 19:16), priests (Exodus 30:30), and kings (1 Samuel 10:1). 

The text doesn’t say Mary intended to symbolically recognize these truths about Jesus, but I love that we can now look at the big picture of Scripture and see that He is indeed the best and the ultimate of all three. Check out just a small sampling of these New Testament connection points:

 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:11)

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens– Jesus the Son of God– let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord —the King of Israel! ” (John 12:31)

In this act of worship, did Mary recognize in Jesus what all the disciples were missing?  How do we acknowledge Christ in worship as our Prophet, Priest, and King?

Recognizing Jesus as a prophet, we can believe what He said is true! He is coming again! As our great high priest, Christ is our every sympathetic but strong savior, always available to us with bold access! And as our King, we can give Him the rightful rule on the throne of our hearts. 

Finally, though Mary’s gift was only for Jesus, her offering was shared with others in the room. Hear the sound of the breaking vessel. Smell the fragrant aroma that wafted through the room (John 12:3). Watch this woman stoop low to wipe His dirty feet with her uncovered hair. 

Though it was met with criticism, the disciples had the opportunity to embrace the moment. I wonder if some of them (other than Judas) did after Jesus’s commendation of Mary’s heartfelt worship.

When we worship the Lord, do others secondhandedly experience the sweetness of our offering? A few dear friends came to my mind as I thought about this. God has put some remarkable examples of women who love Jesus wholeheartedly in ways that mirror Mary’s adoration, sacrifice, and trust. 

I love contemplating Mary’s unhindered offering to the Lord and what it teaches us about living a life of love, devotion, and adoration to the Lord. Lord help us to remember who You are and live lives of worship to You.