Mary Magdalene Week 14, 2011

Quite a character isn’t she? “Yes, very lavish in her demonstration of love for Jesus: Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair Jn 12:3(ESV). It is amazing how Jesus completely transforms a woman.” Or how a woman completely embraces her Lord. “How do you mean?”
Looking at the dinner setting it seems everything was under control and she really wasn’t needed. “How do you mean?” So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table Jn 12:2(ESV). Serving had been taken care of by Martha, and Lazarus was keeping Jesus company, it seemed there was really nothing left, nothing for her to do. “I think housekeeping was not one of her strengths because the last time serving was abandoned by her.” Who knows; but have you ever been in that situation where it looks like there’s nothing for you to do, that some who are more experienced than you are already taking care of the obvious, but you just want to express your love to Jesus? “You’re right. Several times; at home and fellowship, as though I have two left hands.” Well in that situation unfettered expression of love for Jesus may be what God really needs you to do, a deed that the house became filled with the fragrance of the perfume Jn 12:2(ISV).
“You mean God wanted her to do that?” Well meaning people may regard such actions on your part as a waste but you know, her “waste” was actually preparing Jesus for His burial. When she poured this perfume on my body, she was preparing me for burial Mat 26:12(ISV). “Yes, o. She ministered directly to Jesus, truly Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it with all your might, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you're going Ecc 9:10(GW). ”
That’s not all; remember she had a terrible past? Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out Lk 8:2(ESV). Those with terrible pasts often run faster than people who think they never sinned. “Yes, in one offering she gave close to a year’s salary. Stayed with Jesus on the way and on Calvary, was the first to see Him on resurrection morning…” What of you? “How?” Are you running faster like her or were you always righteous? Do you think you were forgiven little? So I'm telling you that her sins, as many as they are, have been forgiven, and that's why she has shown such great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven loves little. Lk 7:47(ISV).
What memorial will there be of your love for Jesus?