From the Desk of Pastor Hatch…
“And Jesus said, Let Her alone; why are you troubling her? She has done a good work on for me.” Mark 14:6
“A Good Work”
Greeting Beloved:
I pray that you are faithful to your vows this consecration season. Whatever you have given up for the Lord, stay faithful. In this holy season, our challenge is to look back at the Bible record of the road to the Cross of Calvary and passion of Christ. I find myself every year looking for little nuggets of revelation to challenge me in my own Christian journey. Here in Mark chapter 14 we meet the woman who, even more than the disciples, has compassion on Christ in His humanity. Jesus is facing Calvary . She is inspired to do what little she could do to ease His burden.
In Mark 14:1-2, the enemies of Jesus have conspired against Him. Others look to Jesus for favors, but the woman in verses 3-9 is grateful for what He has already done. She is the one who understands His words: He must now suffer and be killed. Look at this text through three lenses. First, look at the COST of the oil she uses to anoint Him. It is very, very expensive. The oil is an expression of her gratitude, her devotion, and her worship. She serves from her heart and her worship is real. Secondly, look at the CRITICISMS of the disciples. What she has done is called a “waste”. There is a difference between criticism and critique. These critics did not mean her well. Whenever you face severe criticism, consider the source. We know from John 12:4 that Judas was behind the criticism. Judas really wanted the money spent put in the disciple’s bag because he kept the treasury and he was thief! The disciples murmured against her, but the woman kept working. Thirdly, the woman is COMMENDED by Christ. He calls her work a good work. Although her work seemed insignificant, it was part of a larger story. Her work is now a part of the Gospel story for all of eternity.
Beloved, learn this holy season; whatever you strive to do, make sure it is for the Lord’s glory and not yours. (Colossians 3:17). Always remember, only what you do for Christ will last.
Peace,
Pastor Hatch
