Why this waste?

Matthew 26:6-13 

 

Does it seem strange to you to begin an Advent devotion at the end of Jesus’ life and ministry? Shouldn’t we start with the angels or Mary or at least the birth?

In Bethany, Jesus was anointed for His burial. The method of anointing shocked several around him. We are told by Matthew that the disciples were indignant and thought it was wasteful.

We tell our children not to be wasteful with the water when brushing their teeth or with the glue when making a craft. The extra water might add up to a few dollars, but we are told in Mark’s account that this perfume was worth almost a year’s wages. Would you take several thousand dollars and go pour it down the drain?

Jesus responds to her quite differently. He says that wherever the gospel is preached, this woman’s deed will be reported as a memorial to her. So why is this event not wasteful? Simply and profoundly this: what she poured out, she poured out for God. It was an act of love and devotion to her Savior, and no waste exists in devotion to God.

Was it wasteful for God to send His Son to earth? Do we need all those blessings and promises? Wasn’t it wasteful to spend 33 years and only get to minister for 3?

The anointing at Bethany is not wasteful for at least this reason. It reminds us of God’s extravagance toward us, and no waste exists in God’s gifts.

When you think about the approach of Christmas, let this story of the anointing of Jesus remind you of God’s graciousness toward you. And respond in kind. Be superfluous in your devotion to God and others in Christ’s name. It won’t be a waste.

 

~ by Michael on November 30, 2008.