Crumbs 136 Transparentcy!
Scripture Mark 14:1-11 World English Bible 14 It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him. 2 For they said, “Not during the feast, because there might be a riot among the people.” 3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, “Why has this ointment been wasted? 5 For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor.” So they grumbled against her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying. 9 Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her.” 10 Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them. 11 They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. He sought how he might conveniently deliver him.
The surprise is that Jesus accepted this act of devotion. To have refused would hurt the intense and tender feelings of the woman. Too often we treat the intense tender feelings of others as of no significance. The Lord does not.
In accepting this act of devotion Jesus does not call it out as inappropriate. It shows that He was aware of who He truly is and the significance of his imminent death. And we know the truth of His prophesy about this woman.
The comments from the by-standers are instructive. The world is full of spectators who say what should happen. Fewer are ready to act.
This passage is about cash but I do not recall any sermon from this text about our use of money. There are opportunities that come along that are once in a life time chance to do good with money. They do not come again. Money can also be used in the performing of sme horrid sins. It may expose surprising weakness. If money comes our way it should drive us fearfully to our knees
What does this incident tell us about Jesus ?
What is the relationship between personal devotion and social action ?.
3. What do we learn about the use of money from this passage ?
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