March 1, 2010
Scripture: Mark 14:3-9
The Bold and the Beautiful
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bold and the Beautiful are women of God who exemplify these qualities or characteristics they are: devoted, inspired, victorious and anointers. That's right, somebody has already figured out that if you drop every letter in those four words except the first letters, you would have spelled the word, DIVA. We usually think of a DIVA as one who is at the top of her game in the entertainment business. She is usually very beautiful, well groomed from head to toe, gifted in ministry, intelligent, world renowned and winners of several impressive awards.
Yet today, I want to flip the script so to speak; and present or describe one woman of the Bible whose epitaph or memorial would always be spoken of and remembered forever. In Jesus' words quoted from Mark 14: 8, He says of her: "She hath done what she could." That woman is Mary of Bethany. Look at what Mary does in the text: Jesus was being entertained in the home of Simon the Leper As he sat there, a woman came to him, bringing an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard which was expensive and precious. This she broke and poured it on his head
The disciples who were also present were very critical of this loving act, especially Judas. It seemed such a waste, it should have been sold and the money given to the poor he exclaims. But Jesus made her actions an eternal memorial of selfless worship. These women broke the alabaster box to anoint the Lord with oil. Mary, the woman with the alabaster box, humbles herself before our Lord and savior. She recognizes that she is in the presence of the king. Jesus, who sees straight to the heart of every issue, looked within her heart and found it was filled with love and devotion for him. Jesus was encouraged by her display of love. She had used her money to purchase the ointment. She used THE Perfume to anoint his body for burial. She pours it out on his head and the oil flowed down to his feet. It was then that she wiped his feet with her hair. He knew that her desire was to give him that which was precious to her so he said, "she had done what she could".
The mere fact that Mary entered Simon's home uninvited was an act of boldness. Women in those days were regarded as second class citizens and were limited in their association and conversations. This is the same Mary, sister to Martha and Lazarus. This is that Mary who decided it was more profitable for her to sit at Jesus'' feet, while her sister Martha prepared the meal, and complained to Jesus because she did not come and help her in the kitchen.
Sisters, you will never do what you can do until you get involved in some act of boldness. I don't care whether it's singing, preaching, playing a musical instrument, dancing, witnessing etc. We must be willing to endure criticism, risk embarrassment, being talked about, abused, appearing weak etc. Our only motive for doing what we do should be directed at pleasing God! Jesus didn't intervene and stop Mary's accusers because of her talent. She might have been able to sing like a mocking bird, but that wasn't it. He didn't interfere because of her great beauty. She could have looked like Halle Berry or Tyra Banks, but not even that got his attention. It wasn't her religious affiliations or sorority connections that inspired him. He stepped in and chided his disciples because or her worship and exuberant expression of devotion and love shown towards him.
Jesus said, "It's not waste" referring to the ointment, it is worship! Jesus made that statement because the disciple Judas said that the costly ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. The other disciples agreed with his remark regarding the poor. In my next lesson, we will continue this lesson and discover why Jesus told the disciples to leave Mary alone and allow her to continue her worship of him. But, until next time:
Don't Forget To Say Your Prayers.
