A Lasting Memorial
Matthew 26:6–16
What she has done will also be told in memory of her. Matthew 26:13
An interesting twist to the story of Mary anointing Jesus is that it was a memorial for him, in view of his death and burial, though what she did actually became a memorial to her. Think how many great deeds of the many great kings, generals, tycoons, and other brilliant men of this world have been forgotten. People try to erect great monuments to themselves, but what they have done is hardly remembered by succeeding generations. But Mary’s selfless, loving, extravagant act lives on as a memorial to her and a witness to the greatness of her Lord.
Do you want to be remembered? Then do as Mary did. Leave off building monuments; build the lives of other people. Share your possessions and give yourself to others. Remember that Jesus said, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:25–26).
That is what happened to Judas. This disciple spent three years in the closest possible association with the only perfect man who ever lived. Yet in the end he turned his back on Jesus and gave him up to be murdered. It was a horrible deed, and Judas experienced a horrible end. But it is not altogether different from the decisions of those who turn their backs on Jesus today and whose end is the same as the betrayer’s. Like Judas, many seek the world and its pleasures and forfeit their souls.
How could Judas have missed learning what was truly valuable and giving up everything for it? I do not know but I know that millions are doing just that today. Let me remind you that it is possible to be quite close to Jesus Christ, to sit in a Christian church listening to good sermons, to hear good Bible teaching on radio or television, to have Christian parents or Christian friends who live consistent and effective Christian lives and bear strong testimonies to the gospel of God’s grace, and yet fail to love Christ and never reach the point of making a personal commitment to him as your Lord and Savior. You can be that close to Jesus Christ and yet be lost.
It would be a tragedy for that to be true in your case, but it is not necessary, especially if you have understood who Jesus is and what he came to earth to do. Like Mary, you need to look deeply into his eyes and learn to love him as the one who loves you and gave himself for your salvation.
Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.