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Humble Hero
life was to fill the earth. “Christ also has loved us and given Himself
for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
Ephesians 5:2
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“Assuredly, I say to you,” Christ declared, “wherever this gospel
is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also
be told as a memorial to her.” The Savior spoke with certainty about
His gospel that was to be preached throughout the world. And as
far as the gospel extended, Mary’s gift would spread its fragrance,
and hearts would be blessed through her generous, spontaneous act.
Kingdoms would rise and fall, the names of conquerors would be
forgotten, but this woman’s deed would live forever on the pages of
sacred history. Until time is no more, that broken alabaster box will
tell the story of God’s abundant love for a fallen race.
What a sharp lesson Christ could have given to Judas! He who
reads the motives of every heart might have revealed to those at
the feast the dark chapters in Judas’s experience. Instead of sympa-
thizing with the poor, he was robbing them of the money intended
for their relief. But if Christ had unmasked Judas, this would have
seemed like a reason for the betrayal. Judas would have gained
sympathy, even among the disciples. The Savior avoided giving him
an excuse for his evil bargain.
Judas Goes From the Feast to Negotiate Jesus’ Betrayal
But the look that Jesus gave Judas convinced him that the Savior
saw through his hypocrisy and read his corrupt character. And in
praising Mary’s action, Christ rebuked Judas. The reproof stirred
up resentment in his heart, and he went directly to the palace of the
high priest and offered to betray Jesus into their hands.
The leaders of Israel had been given the privilege of receiving
Christ as their Savior, without money and without price. But they
refused the precious Gift and bought their Lord for thirty pieces of
silver.
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Judas resented Mary’s gift of costly ointment to Jesus. His heart
burned with envy that the Savior received a gift suitable for the
kings of the earth. For an amount far less than the ointment cost, he
betrayed his Lord.