Holy Extravagance 

God on Monday
Read previous

As Jesus sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, ‘Why was the ointment wasted in this way?’ (Mark 14:3-4). 

Reflection

At the start of Mark’s passion narrative, an unnamed woman displays extraordinary devotion. She pours a bottle of designer perfume on Jesus’ head.

It is an act of remarkable extravagance. Centuries before Amazon deliveries, she would not easily have been able to replace this imported fragrance. It was produced from nard, a flower from the Himalayan foothills of South Asia. No wonder some people saw it as an outrageous waste! 

Jesus clearly does not see it that way. He rebukes those who criticize her, saying ‘She has performed a good service for me’ (v.7). For him, her devotion has led her to perform a loving and prophetic act; she has anointed him for his burial. In this moment of deep pathos, extravagant devotion takes precedence over God’s instruction to care for the poor. 

How do we make sense of this, especially as care for the poor was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry? Occurring at the start of his passion, the incident foreshadows the pouring out of his life in the world’s greatest act of love. 

Set within this context, the story moves me to consider how my love for Jesus shapes my everyday life, including my work:

• Who gets the best of my treasure?
• How do I determine worth and waste? 
• Whose approval am I seeking?

Just like Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the King of Kings chooses to ride on a lowly donkey, this story of anointing challenges conventional thinking. As I consider how to do ‘good service’ for God, I recognize that it cannot be business as usual. 

Jesus’ approval of this woman’s work suggests that in God’s economy, there is room for an uncalculated extravagance that makes no material sense without the eyes of faith and love.

We can learn from this woman’s devotion to pour out our treasure  - including all the skills we bring to our work - in the service of Christ. In so doing, we will receive his approval, no matter what those around us might say.

Response

Jesus poured out his life for our sake. How can we pour out our gifts in grateful response? Resolve to affirm, rather than criticize, the labours of love we see in the lives of those around us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may your Holy Spirit inspire us to pour out all we have and all we are in pure and daily devotion to you. May this be a witness to your costly and extravagant love. In Jesus name, Amen.

This Week's Author

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.  

Feel free to share these reflections with your contacts via email and social media.