Disbelief filled the room, whispers and questions rising, alarmed at her actions. In Bethany that day a woman crosses conventional wisdom, counter-culture intent with purpose, seeking to surrender possessions of great worth.
She carries expensive fragrance encased in alabaster beauty and pours on the Master’s head.
What compelled her, moved her into the space of Jesus and the twelve, we do not know. What thoughts or maybe doubts arise the author gives no indication. We are however, made aware of the response.
“Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.”
The disciples did not despise her act of giving. No…suggestions were many for just how this offering could have blessed, could have been used, could have brought meaning.
They rejected her gift.
Condemned the way in which she chose to expend value, rebuking her harshly. Indignant and perhaps prideful, passing judgement — not one in the room that day lifted praise.
Except the One.
The Master quieted disagreements with approval and appreciation. Reversed the growing atmosphere in the room.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” In his one command, mute became all arguments, silent any thought of further accusation. The Giver received her gift, gave it substance, called it…
...beautiful.
Many words could have described her expression and gift-giving gesture. But beautiful seems appropriate.
And what of you? Yes, you — carrier of precious nard, this sacrificial gift of great worth. Where do you expend and give the best of yourself?
Do you tend to home and little ones throughout the day, or older ones in need of care,
maybe followed your man into vocation, a calling of immeasurable cost?
Did you cross oceans, leaving family and homeland, to share good news with distant ones hungry to hear…
or brought one home with you?
Perhaps you lift prayers, unknown and unseen, joining desperate voices in their cry,
serving in ways unnoticed?
or maybe you simply sit today and ask :: what’s in my alabaster box?
Somewhere, somehow, you too pour out value, a costly sacrifice. And those around may laugh, may scorn, may not assign importance. They do not understand what Jesus sees clearly :: a woman of substance, offering gifts of significance.
Oh daughter, you must know today and be convinced of this — the Master is pleased with you. He dismisses those who oppose, who wonder at the sacrifice. Quieting questions to which your tongue has no reply. He understands the gift.
Yes, the Master is pleased. And in this moment, in this short pause of time, embrace the pleasure of His rejoicing.
For you have done…
…a beautiful thing.
{I join the hearts of many other women, baring words to a screen, doing a beautiful thing. And one of us will be graced with the opportunity to find approval and appreciation for our gifts at the SheSpeaks conference this July. Head on over to Ann’s blog for more details…yes, you…step out, and do something beautiful.}
added — other posts in the series:
creativity :: crafting beautiful things
homeschooling :: gathering beautiful things
