Mark tells the story of the open-house reception to honor Jesus in Mark 14:3-9. The house was filled with people who had been changed by the power of Jesus. John gives us more information about the event, we learn Simon the former leper, Lazarus the former dead men, the disciples, Martha and Mary, and many other people were all in attendance.
It was a supper to honor Jesus. While all the participants were focused on the meal and the people around them, Mary brought a jar filled with perfume. The value was worth three hundred day's pay- that's a year's salary. The jar probably represented her life's savings - equal to an entire retirement account for today. Then she did the extravagant. She broke the jar and poured all the contents on Jesus. She gave all she had.
Although she was criticized for what she did, Jesus must have smiled and thought, "What an Extravagant Act of Worship". He commended her, "She has done what she could" Mark 14:8)
I have heard people criticize the church when something extravagant is done in honoring Jesus. Why is it that people can justify nice things for their own house, but want God's House to be put on display with what looks like leftovers, afterthoughts, hand-me-downs, and second-hand stuff? It's one thing to be good stewards and another thing to be stingy and critical. Why is it that people can expect excellence and nice for themselves, but put up with mediocrity and shabbiness in the church.
Extravagant love and extravagant excellence in the presentation of God's church does not have to be excessive and over-the-top, but it should honor the splendor and awesomeness of the one who has set us free and changed our life.
No comments:
Post a Comment