Extravagant Christianity (Mark 14)

There is, of course, much that could be said about Mark 14. Events move rapidly toward the crucifixion of Jesus in this chapter. But what struck me as I read the chapter was the very first pericope, verses 1-9. Verses 1-9 tell the story of the woman who anointed Jesus.

The act of anointing Jesus was scandalous in many ways. First, it was scandalous to have a woman interact with a man like that in public. Jewish culture had strict separation of men and women, even of husbands and wives. Upstanding men and women did not touch in public. Indeed, they wouldn't even talk to one another! This woman's act certainly challenged current notions of public decorum. Yet, it seems that it was not the violation of social mores that was most scandalous. More scandalous yet was the money involved in the act. The text tells us that this perfume was made of pure nard. It was a very expensive variety. Likely it cost tens of thousands of dollars in modern currency. The real affront was that ten thousand dollars worth of liquid got poured on Jesus' head.

It was the extravagance of the gift that most upset the bystanders. Some demanded to know why this money hadn't been spent on the poor. But Jesus is not upset. He sees the woman's act as an act of worship and consecration. Knowing the woman's heart, Jesus understands that she is giving Him her very best.

As I read this story, it struck me that this story is far removed from where most of us find ourselves today. Of course, we don't have the opportunity to literally pour perfume over Jesus' head. But even if we did, would we do it? When was the last time any of us have been accused of being too generous with Jesus? I dare say it has been a long time. Most of us are niggardly in our faith not extravagant. We give Jesus our second best not our all. This woman is rightly mentioned wherever the Gospel is preached, for she teaches us that faith demands extravagance. It demands that we lavish all that we have on Jesus. For Judas, this type of faith is too much. He decides at this moment to betray Jesus. The world does not want us to lavish ourselves on God. But that is what we are called to do. As followers of Jesus, we should go over the top for Him with our money, with our things, with our very selves.