Critics of Costly Service
Thoughts on Mark 14:1-11
Everyone is a critic. We expect criticism from non-Christians when we serve the Lord. However, the most hurtful criticism comes from others who follow Jesus. If you have ever received such criticism, you may know how the woman in this story felt.
The chief priests and scribes wanted Jesus dead. They just needed an opportunity to do so when there would be no crowds. They feared arresting Him publicly would cause a riot. These verses indicate that Jesus remained popular among many who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover.
In Bethany, Mary of Bethany (according to John’s gospel) anointed Jesus’ feet with an expensive perfume. Sadly, it is common for sacrificial service for Jesus to meet criticism from others who follow Jesus. Jesus defended her against her critics. Echoing the words He used about the widow who gave all she had, Jesus said, “She has done all she could.” This woman understood better who Jesus was and what He had come to do then the mend who scolded her with what today we would call “virtue signaling.”
How this event motivated Judas to betray Jesus is not clear from the text in Mark. Other gospel writers called him a thief. Perhaps, Judas saw the poured-out perfume as wasted money that he could have pocketed. Whatever the motive, he acted with his free will. The religious leaders didn’t recruit him. He volunteered, and they were thrilled that he came to help them find the opportunity they sought to arrest Jesus.