A beautiful thing ∙∙∙
But Jesus said, leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. – Mark 14:6
Mark 14:3-9
3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from the essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked.
5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a beautiful thing to me?
7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.
8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.
9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
The Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
In November 1922, the renowned archaeologist Howard Carter made a groundbreaking discovery in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. During his excavation, he uncovered a flight of steps carved into solid bedrock, which led to a sealed mud-plaster doorway. On November 26th, Carter made a small breach in the upper left-hand corner. Using a candle to illuminate the dark space, he caught a glimpse of a room filled with treasures of gold and ebony, all untouched and perfectly preserved.
Wonderful Things
The suspense was palpable. Lord Carnarvon, who was present, anxiously asked, “Can you see anything?” Carter’s now-famous response was, “Yes, wonderful things!” What he had unearthed was the tomb of Tutankhamun.
On February 16, 1923, Carter opened the sealed burial chamber, revealing the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. This tomb, untouched for approximately 3500 years, remains the most well-preserved and complete pharaonic tomb ever discovered in the Valley of the Kings. Carter’s discovery was indeed filled with extraordinary and beautiful things, a reminder that beauty and wonder can be found in unexpected places.
A Lavish Gift – Frivolous and Wasteful?
In Mark 14:3-5, we read about a woman who came to Jesus with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume over His head. This act of devotion was extravagant, and its cost was equivalent to a year’s wages. In John 12:3, the woman is identified as Mary, the sister of Lazarus.
However, not everyone appreciated her gesture. Some people there were indignant and asked, “Why waste such expensive perfume? It could have been sold and the money given to the poor!” The disciples judged Mary’s act by its outward appearance. They scolded her harshly, seeing her act as silly and wasteful. Try to picture what this temper tantrum looked like.
Jesus’ Response: A Different Perspective
How did Jesus respond to their harsh, unwarranted criticism? Did He answer in kind and return evil for evil? Did He respond to their criticism with equal severity? Far from it. Instead, He offered a gentle rebuke to their negativity.
I envision His response being something like, “Ease up, guys, let’s look at this from a different angle.” He reminded them that the poor would always be among them and they could help them whenever they wished, but His time with them was limited. Mary was simply making the most of the time that remained. He praised her for her efforts.
The Beauty of a Pure Heart
In Mark 14:6, 8, Jesus said: “She has done a beautiful thing to me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.”
What made Mary’s act beautiful was her pure, unadulterated, innocent love. Her gift was free from hidden agendas or expectations of personal gain. It was her beautiful heart that made her gift meaningful to Him. Jesus valued Mary’s act of devotion.
Although the disciples saw Mary’s gesture as wasteful, Jesus understood its true meaning. Her actions might have seemed extravagant and impractical from a human perspective. But gifts given from love are considered beautiful in the eyes of the Father. In the end, it was her beautiful heart that made her gift beautiful to Him.
The Greek Word for Beauty: Kalos
In Greek, there are two different words for “good.” One emphasizes the correctness of the action, while the other highlights its beauty. The latter is used here. She simply expressed her devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. He declared it a beautiful thing.
The Greek word, translated as “good” or “beautiful,” is kalos. Kalosis used to describe something “inherently good, beautiful, or noble.” Mary’s act of devotion was kalos, a beautiful thing in the eyes of the Lord.
REFLECT & PRAY
When you feel prompted to do something beautiful for the Father, act on it. Ignoring these promptings may lead to an opportunity lost forever to create something beautiful.
Father, may I find beauty in the things that You find beautiful. Remove my callous heart from the equation, and help me to act in love and devotion.
INSIGHT
The Measure of Giving – The Heart Behind the Gift
Sometimes, what we give may seem small, insignificant, or even insufficient. At other times, we give far more than what appears possible, stretching beyond our apparent means and abilities, as described in 2 Corinthians 8:3. These acts of faith and devotion are not judged by their size or material worth but by the heart and intention behind them.
The value of a gift is not determined by its monetary worth but by the motive of the giver. It is love, faith, and devotion that turn even the smallest offering into something extraordinary.
Mary’s Gift: A Recognition of Incomparable Worth
Who truly grasped the value of the Lord Jesus Christ, Mary, or the disciples? Mary’s extravagant gift of costly perfume reveals her deep understanding of the worth of the One to Whom it was given. She recognized that Jesus is worth every cent, every sacrifice, and every act of devotion.
As Edwards beautifully states, “She alone understands Jesus’ incommensurable worth.” Her lavish act of love and faith contrasts sharply with the disciples, who failed to see the significance of her actions. Mary’s gift was not about the perfume itself but about the value she placed on Jesus.
The Father’s Treasure Box
Imagine for a moment that the Father has a treasure box. It is not filled with gold, jewels, or material riches, but with acts of love, faith, and devotion that warm His heart. These treasures have no monetary value, yet they are priceless to Him, each one a reminder of cherished moments and faithful hearts.They bring warmth to His heart and remind Him of cherished moments.
Inside this treasure box, you might find:
- The widow’s pennies (Mark 12:41-44), a symbol of sacrificial giving.
- Records of wise, selfless decisions made in faith and love.
- A broken alabaster vase, representing Mary’s extravagant devotion.
- Bottled tears, collected from those who have wept in prayer and faith (Psalms 56:8).
- Shepherd staffs, reminders of humble service and care.
- The crown of thorns, a symbol of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
- A canceled certificate of debt, representing the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ blood (Colossians 2:14).
- The sign from the cross, proclaiming, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).
Each item in this treasure box tells a story of faith, love, and devotion. They are reminders that what captivates the Father’s heart is not material wealth but the beauty of a heart entirely devoted to Him.
What Captivates Your Heart?
Take a moment to reflect on what you find beautiful and lovely. What captivates your heart with its loveliness? For Mary, it was the inexpressible worth of Jesus Christ. Her actions reflected her understanding of His beauty and significance.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 