“Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor” (Matt. 26:6-8 NLT).
Jesus loves a willing giver
Can you imagine the scene? Amid this gathering, while Jesus was literally eating his dinner, a woman comes with an offering of expensive perfume and pours it over His head. This woman is not responding to some offering appeal using fear as motivation for giving. There is no collection plate being distributed here because it’s not a church—just a woman who has been forgiven much, responding willingly to the love and grace received from Jesus. Bible scholars suggest that this was Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus had delivered from seven demons. She is not known to have been wealthy, yet she gives an expensive to gift to the One who had delivered her from the hand of the enemy.
Jesus loves willing givers who respond out of love and gratitude for what He’s done for them. He doesn’t turn her away. He doesn’t chastise her for messing with his hair or touching and kissing his feet (Dr. Luke’s record). He affirms her gift and her worship.
Jesus loves a stubborn giver
Apparently, Jesus’ own disciples (the pastors and elders of the new church) were very angry with this expensive gift to their Master. Instead of applauding the giving of Mary, they accuse her of wasting this money on Jesus. That sounds neither logical nor spiritual. How can any amount of money spent on Jesus be considered a waste? I am thankful that Mary didn’t stop pouring the expensive perfume and close the bottle. Why? Because no human should ever interrupt or discourage our giving to God. John says that we love Him because He first loved us. And so, as Christians, the giving of our treasure, time, talents and body temples to God is the least we can do compared to what Jesus has done for us.
While Jesus is rebuking the naysayers in this narrative, I am certain that deep down He is smiling at the tenacity of Mary. She doesn’t only pour on his head, but she continues to wipe his feet and dry them with her hair. Let us be strong-willed enough, and yes, stubborn enough, to always bless the Lord and His work with our giving.
Jesus loves a cheerful giver
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully” (2 Cor. 9:7). This familiar text is a reminder that giving time should be a joyful and happy time in our Christian experience. According to Google AI, a cheerful person is “characterized by good spirits, optimism, and a noticeably happy demeanor, often brightening their surroundings and positively influencing others.” Mary is so excited to give that even though Jesus and the disciples weren’t expecting it, she shifts the atmosphere and lights up the room with this powerful act of worship. “The room grew still as she made her way to Jesus…” sings Cece Winans.
Mary’s giving here, though public, reflected a cheerful spirit that was private. She couldn’t wait until the service when the priest or pastor would say “bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse.” No. She would give Jesus praise, honor, exaltation and glory before the “scheduled” time, demonstrating that the giving was clearly from her cheerful heart.
It is not coincidental that Mary became the first gospel minister: first to the tomb, first to speak with the Resurrected Gardner, first to send a message to the other disciples that the Lord had risen. May we always be like Mary—willing givers, stubborn givers and cheerful givers—so that God can use us fully for His cause. And finally, we will hear these words from our Savior: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Cryston Josiah, is president of the Central States Conference.
