Good Works For Christ

“And they were scolding her.”

– Mark 14:5

Following Mark’s timeline, the woman with the alabaster vial of very costly perfume anointed Jesus on Wednesday of His passion week (Mark 14:1). Matthew’s Gospel confirms this (Matthew 26:2). It is certain the inward witness of the Holy Spirit ministered to her what was about to take place in a few short days. That Christ would be led to the Cross as the sacrifice for the world’s sins (John 1:29). The same Spirit came over just and devout Simeon when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the Temple years prior (Luke 2:25-35). It is the same Holy Spirit of God that lives in everyone who has been born again (Romans 8:14-17). The Holy Spirit’s witness to the Scriptures illuminates previously darkened minds.

In a sense, this woman had anointed Jesus’ body beforehand in preparation for its burial. There was some recognition of the Lord’s impending death. She desired to show her love and devotion for Jesus while He was still with them in person. And this, we are told by some, was a common custom at festive Jewish meals (Psalm 23:5; Luke 7:46). Yet it was not what she did that was being criticized. It was the means she used to do it that troubled some. Yet it was only troublesome because of greed and selfishness.

The perfume she poured over Jesus was worth a year’s wages. Some became angry at the apparent wasteful extravagance. They began scolding her. Judas began the criticism (John 12:4), and some other disciples joined in.

As you and I search the Scriptures for God’s direction in our lives, He has promised to allow us to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). As a result, He directs our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). There are times when our actions of love and devotion to Jesus may not make sense to others. We can even be criticized and scolded by other believers. We may even do the same to them. We cannot always tell what is in another’s heart (1 Corinthians 2:11). However, if it aligns with Scripture, we must be careful not to call what is good evil and what is evil good. The faithful disciples of Christ allowed Judas to influence their understanding. As a result, they scolded the woman for what Jesus Himself called “a good work” for Him. We must be careful today; we can be guilty of doing the same.

“Judge it to be a small matter what men think or say of you, and care only for their treatment of your Lord.”

– C. H. Spurgeon