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Mary Anoints Jesus
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hath given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweet-smelling savor.”
Ephesians 5:2
.
“Verily I say unto you,” Christ declared, “Wheresoever this
gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that
she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” The Saviour
spoke with certainty concerning His gospel that was to be preached
throughout the world. And as far as the gospel extended, Mary’s
gift would shed its fragrance, and hearts would be blessed through
her unstudied act. Kingdoms would rise and fall, the names of
conquerors would be forgotten, but this woman’s deed would be
immortalized on the pages of sacred history. Until time should be no
more, that broken alabaster box would tell the story of the abundant
love of God for a fallen race.
What a sharp lesson Christ might have given Judas! He who
reads the motives of every heart might have opened before those
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at the feast dark chapters in the experience of Judas. Instead of
sympathizing with the poor, he was robbing them of the money
intended for their relief. But had Christ unmasked Judas, this would
have been urged as a reason for the betrayal. Judas would have
gained sympathy, even among the disciples. The Saviour avoided
giving him an excuse for his treachery.
Judas Goes From the Feast to Negotiate Jesus’ Betrayal
But the look which Jesus cast on Judas convinced him that the
Saviour penetrated his hypocrisy and read his contemptible character.
And in commending Mary’s action, Christ rebuked Judas. The
reproof rankled 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 Saviour, without money and without price. But they
refused the precious gift and bought their Lord for thirty pieces of
silver.
Judas grudged Mary’s gift of costly ointment to Jesus. His heart
burned with envy that the Saviour should be the recipient of a gift
suitable for the monarchs of the earth. For far less than the ointment
cost, he betrayed his Lord.