Why do you trouble her?
Hello Bride of Christ,
Ever feel like you are surrounded by critics? We experience this in many different fashions and we become self-conscious in regards to this criticism from a very young age. It impacts how we walk, talk, dress, and think. As Christians this awareness of criticism can impact how we study God's word, how we worship our God, how we serve our God, and even how we speak about our God.
Criticism is a powerful tool used to sway people. When placed in the wrong hands or given too much weight it can hinder and stifle. However, when placed in the right hands or given with the purest heart intent it can lead to an overflow which impacts many!
Today we will look at the gospel of Mark's account of the anointing at Bethany in chapter 14:3-9 to see criticism at its finest.
The Text Reads
"While He was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expense perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His (Jesus) head. Some of those present were saying indignantly, to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.' And they rebuked her harshly. 'Leave her alone,' said Jesus. 'Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached through the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Mark 14:3-9
Insights
Do you see the critics at the table? Simon the leper, someone with a physical aliment, which in those days resulted in exile and exclusion from society, and the need for purification and priestly cleansing. However, is found here sitting at the table with Jesus. Also the disciples of Jesus, who had the closest relationship with Jesus as they followed Him everywhere and often received private teachings and sermons from Jesus.
On the surface it would appear Simon the leper had no business providing an opinion because of his condition. While on the other hand the disciples were the right people to voice their criticism for it would be biblically based and Jesus influenced.... right? But as we read on we come to the final critic, Jesus!
Jesus, the woman's creator and maker. Jesus, the one who had a personal relationship with this woman. Although Jesus gave these others a seat at the table which she was serving and not seating at, He was the only true and worthy critic.
Jesus speaks, defends and explains the significance of this woman's actions. He justifies and qualifies her. Why? Cause He knew God's purpose and plans. Jesus knows Father God's plan and why God allowed her to come and anoint Him and prepare Him for His burial. Everyone else at the table had their limited view and perspective. Only Jesus could understand the plans of God.
Encouragement
Bride of Christ do you feel God calling you to act or walk in a certain way? Are you allowing the criticisms of others (whether appearing to be the correct source or not) holding you back?
Hold on to Jesus' words be cause they were written here to encourage you, "Leave her alone...'Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me."
Do not get distracted by the people at the table. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Let His words and His words alone motivate you, stir you up for action, and affirm you! Whether He is calling you to give up something that would appear to be precious and valuable to this world (the oil), or humble yourself to drastic measures (wiping of His feet with her hair) trust that He knows why His Father created you and He is here to partner with you to walk it out daily.
Take every thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, even the thoughts placed there by friends and other critics. Only Jesus knows best for He and His Father have set the table for you.
