Mark 14:6

This verse captures Jesus' defense of a woman who has just performed an extraordinary act of devotion. The scene unfolds in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper, where Jesus is dining. A woman, often identified as Mary of Bethany (as in John's parallel account), approaches with an alabaster flask of very costly spikenard ointment and breaks it, pouring it over Jesus' head.

Context

The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot according to John's Gospel, were indignant, criticizing the "waste" of such expensive perfume, suggesting it could have been sold for much and given to the poor. Jesus' response in Mark 14:6 is a direct rebuke to their criticism, highlighting the profound significance of the woman's act. This event occurs just days before Jesus' crucifixion, adding layers of prophetic meaning to her anointing. The parallel accounts are found in Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8.

Key Themes

• Unconditional Devotion vs. Material Pragmatism: Jesus upholds an act of extravagant love over what appears to be a practical, but perhaps misguided, concern for finances. The woman's deed was born of deep reverence and love, contrasting with the disciples' worldly calculations or, in Judas's case, greed.
• Anticipation of Burial: Jesus immediately connects her act to His impending death, stating in Mark 14:8 that she has "anointed my body aforehand for the burying." This suggests the woman, perhaps unknowingly, was participating in a prophetic act preparing Him for His burial. Her foresight (or Spirit-led action) stands in stark contrast to the disciples' lack of understanding regarding His mission.
• Valuing True Worship: Jesus declares her act a "good work" (Greek: kalon ergon), emphasizing its beauty, nobility, and moral excellence. He sees beyond the material value of the ointment to the spiritual value of her sacrifice and love.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a good work" translates the Greek kalon ergon (καλὸν ἔργον). Kalon signifies not just "good" in a functional sense, but beautiful, noble, excellent, or morally upright. It implies an act of inherent beauty and worth, reflecting the purity of the woman's motives and the profound impact of her devotion. Jesus recognized the aesthetic and spiritual beauty of her selfless offering.

Practical Application

Mark 14:6 encourages believers to offer their best to Christ, regardless of how others might perceive it as "wasteful." It challenges us to:

• Prioritize Devotion: Our love and worship for Jesus should be unreserved and generous, even extravagant, reflecting the immense value we place on Him.
• Discern True Value: We are reminded that true value is not always measured in material terms. Acts of selfless love and worship are highly esteemed by God, often more so than seemingly "practical" endeavors lacking genuine devotion.
• Guard Against Criticism: Jesus' defense of the woman serves as a caution against judging or discouraging sincere acts of worship and generosity towards God, especially when they don't align with our own expectations or practical sensibilities.
• Remember the Future: The woman's act, unknowingly or knowingly, pointed to Jesus' future. Our acts of service and worship should likewise be rooted in our understanding of Christ's finished work and His coming kingdom, motivating us to live lives that honor Him until His return.