When Mary Magdalene washed Jesus feet with her tears, her hair and costly perfume, Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13) Mary brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume to anoint Jesus and show him her love. She had been forgiven of all of her sins and she wanted to show him her gratitude.
The disciples had challenged the waste of this act, saying the perfume could have been sold and given to the poor, Jesus responded “Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.” (Luke 7:44)
I remember a number of years ago at the conclusion of a Gospel Event in the Philippines an older lady came up to me and asked me if she needed to give any money for the wonderful gift of salvation she had received. It was such a moving moment, I felt the tears welling up. Of course I told her, the gift of salvation was free, but that she could show her love and gratitude to Jesus, by developing a wonderful love relationship with Him, and following Him.
Jesus said what Mary did would be remembered. And today we are remembering Mary. Everyone who makes a sacrifice for the Gospel, who makes a sacrifice to lay down their life out of love for Jesus is remembered by God. And it is a love relationship with Jesus ensures that the Gospel flows throughout the world. I remember when I first got saved, my first reaction was, ‘I have to tell my friends!’ The Gospel flows out of our love for Jesus!
Costly oil touches the heart of God! Today I want to encourage you to keep pouring our your life and love at the feet of Jesus. He’s done so much for you, He’s forgiven your sins and given you eternal life. He has paid the price for you to be restored to relationship with God. He worthy of your costly perfume!
