Week 33
Matthew 26:13 “Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
This is a beautiful story of a woman whose heart was so full of love and purpose for Christ that she was driven to sacrificial service, which was totally misunderstood by those who saw it. Compelled by an inner desire to give to Christ and to be poured out for Christ, she was consumed with holy love and an earnestness to do something for Jesus. She took what she had, and she gave it all. What a costly sacrifice this was! She lost in monetary value what she gained in spiritual liveliness and sweetness.
One would have thought that those watching her make such a great sacrifice would have commended her and applauded her, but this was not to be the case. They ridiculed her, they criticized her, and they attacked her. How often in this life do the followers of Jesus find themselves attacked and criticized even when they are doing the very thing that brings divine pleasure and approval. This is the sad state of affairs in a fallen world.
But though her fellows would misunderstand her and malign her gift, Jesus saw through the dim mist and realized her heart and the true meaning of this sacrificial offering. Jesus even saw what the woman could not see. God was working in her to work through her for a larger redemptive purpose. She was preparing Jesus’ body for burial; His death on the cross was just down the road a little bit. God was using this woman to portray Jesus’ sacrificial offering of Himself on the cross for sinners and for the salvation of sinners. And what He said based on what He saw is stunning: “She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” And not only that, but Jesus said: “Wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
The road of human history is littered with the trash of human misunderstanding and criticism. The collateral damage of human sadness, sorrow, and suffering is piled high along the path. So many have tried to do their best for Jesus to only be excoriated for their efforts, and sometimes even by the very people who should have seen and understood. This is a common reality, a sad reality, in this world.
Christian friend, do friends despise and forsake you? Are you attacked by the very ones who should be standing beside you and encouraging you to keep going for Christ? Do your best, give to Jesus what you have, and God will use it. How do you know but that God has inspired and motivated you to make such a gift to the Lord? God may have a very special way of using your meager effort in a very large way. This woman is immortalized by Christ, and her sacrifice is remembered by heaven. No one loses when they give out of love to Jesus and for the gospel.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to never feel the pinch of criticism to the point where I quit. Help me to overcome and stand the test of the attack. I want to do what is right. Please help me. Amen
