The Woman Of Faith Mark 14: 1-9 by Kathi Dugan
One night, as I studied the scriptures, I suddenly and sharply realized that the woman spoken of in Mark 14:1-9 was being commended by Jesus primarily for her faith, at least as much, if not more so, than for her love. The pouring out of her very expensive perfume (worth a retirement fund for her) was a purposeful act based solely upon Jesus' proclamation that he was soon to die and be buried, as was necessary for the fulfillment of Scripture.
How many of us go to extremes, following the death of a loved one, in an attempt to honor them and belatedly express the love for them in our hearts, during our final goodbye to their bodies?
As the disciples argued over who would sit next to Christ in his Kingdom, expecting a triumphant entry into Jerusalem to be the beginning of his reign of power, this woman had truly listened to what Jesus had actually been saying. Jesus had been pretty frank that he was walking toward his death, as he walked toward the great city. The disciples had not been able to truly hear him.
But this woman listened. She not only had listened, she had really heard.
And not only did she hear, she truly believed him, that what he said would come to pass.
Distraught, troubled and brokenhearted, yet probably not fully understanding the whys and how, she moved into action, based on what she had been able to grasp and fully believe.
She took the item most precious to her and, with a heart of love and sorrow, she poured her ointment on Jesusâ head.
She was met with the harsh rebuke and criticism of the disciples. They thought the outpouring to be quite a waste of money.
Jesus told them to leave her alone. She had anointed him for his burial. Wherever the gospel would be preached, this woman's deed would be made known.
And, so it has been.
This woman's deed has set a shining example. It did not only set a shining example of love, self-sacrifice, and the mind to honor another while they are yet with us, but it set a wonderful example of faith. She has given us much to contemplate. She earned the high praise of the Master and a place of lasting honor in His Word.
The original painting is available. If you are interested, please speak to the artist.
Acrylic on canvas.
How many of us go to extremes, following the death of a loved one, in an attempt to honor them and belatedly express the love for them in our hearts, during our final goodbye to their bodies?
As the disciples argued over who would sit next to Christ in his Kingdom, expecting a triumphant entry into Jerusalem to be the beginning of his reign of power, this woman had truly listened to what Jesus had actually been saying. Jesus had been pretty frank that he was walking toward his death, as he walked toward the great city. The disciples had not been able to truly hear him.
But this woman listened. She not only had listened, she had really heard.
And not only did she hear, she truly believed him, that what he said would come to pass.
Distraught, troubled and brokenhearted, yet probably not fully understanding the whys and how, she moved into action, based on what she had been able to grasp and fully believe.
She took the item most precious to her and, with a heart of love and sorrow, she poured her ointment on Jesusâ head.
She was met with the harsh rebuke and criticism of the disciples. They thought the outpouring to be quite a waste of money.
Jesus told them to leave her alone. She had anointed him for his burial. Wherever the gospel would be preached, this woman's deed would be made known.
And, so it has been.
This woman's deed has set a shining example. It did not only set a shining example of love, self-sacrifice, and the mind to honor another while they are yet with us, but it set a wonderful example of faith. She has given us much to contemplate. She earned the high praise of the Master and a place of lasting honor in His Word.
The original painting is available. If you are interested, please speak to the artist.
Acrylic on canvas.