The Gift
Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread starts in just two days. This is one of our annual celebrations, specifically when God rescued us from slavery in Egypt. Simon invites my sister, brother, and me into his courtyard here in Bethany. He previously had a serious skin disease, leprosy, which kept him outside our village. He was considered unclean and his body was increasing in deformity. Yeshua miraculously healed him. Now Simon is back, participating in our community, and thrilled to invite Yeshua and his followers into his home. We are also celebrating my brother Lazarus, as he was dead, and with a power we have never seen, Yeshua brought him back to life. There is so much to celebrate!
Today I brought a gift for Yeshua and I wait for just the right moment to give it to Him. My mind drifts back to a time when He is in our home. The other religious teachers only disciple men, but He welcomes women as well. I love to listen, most often sitting at His feet. For some reason, when He speaks, all of my other thoughts and responsibilities escape me. I am captivated.
Startled by my sister’s voice, I hear, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.” Oh no, I have been sitting here too long, I need to get up and get busy. Martha needs my help.
Much to my surprise, He answers her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the best part, and it will not be taken away from her.”
That encounter was pivotal in my life. I do not need to finish all of my work before I sit with Yeshua to listen. He gives me a warm welcome anytime.
With that memory, I decide the time has come. I walk to the shelf that has my gift, and gently pick up the alabaster vial full of expensive perfume. It is my most treasured possession and I decide to give it all to Him.
The men are gathered around the table in the center of the courtyard, laying on cushions. I approach Yeshua and break the narrow neck of the vial. The fragrance is intoxicating, more aromatic than anything I have ever experienced. Carefully, I pour the thick nard on His head. I am reminded of how we Hebrews have anointed kings throughout our history. Next, I crouch with my knees on the cold stone floor and anoint His feet. I let down my hair and wipe his feet. I worship Him with my whole heart.
Faintly, I hear the men discussing my gift. I wish I could have given it in private.
“Why all this waste of money? This perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. It is worth a year’s wages.”
“Leave her alone,” Yeshua responds, “Why are you bothering her and causing trouble? She has done a beautiful thing to Me. You always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do something to help them, but you will not always have Me. She has done what she could. When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Wherever the gospel of salvation is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her for her act of love and devotion.”
His burial? Is He honestly going to leave us, and so soon? How was I to know my gift has a higher purpose? This perfume will linger on his body as He dies and is buried. My heart is broken. God’s plans are often not what we imagine. I am reminded of God speaking through the prophet Isaiah, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Somehow, when we give Him everything, He turns it into something beautiful.