Nothing you do for Jesus is ever wasted

"And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted?  5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticised her sharply".

                                                                       Mark 14:3-5.   NKJV

Jesus was the honoured guest at Simon the leper's house, possibly in gratitude for being healed from this terrible disease. As Jesus sat there, a young woman came to Him with a jar of very expensive oil and poured it over His head. Now, this oil was worth the equivalent of a year's pay and this provoked some anger from some present. In defence of the girl, whose name was Mary, and was probably Mary of Bethany, Lazarus and Martha's sister, Jesus told the people that they would always have the poor with them, and they could help them with their own means if they felt so strongly. However, Mary had recognised that Jesus would not be around much longer and this perfume was to anoint Him for His burial.

Let's get things straight here, this perfume was owned by Mary, it belonged to her. Therefore, she could choose to do with it what she wanted. It was nothing to do with anyone else. This reminded me of a recent occurrence a week or so back. I was out walking in some public gardens with my wife, when we came across a chap who was selling magazines. He shouted to us that he was freezing and could we give him some money for a cup of coffee, in order to warm himself up. My wife complied with this and he went away happy. Now some people would say that we should never give a street person any money - 'they will only waste it on drugs or booze. You should take them to get what they need.' That may be so, but they may also be genuine, like Jesus was with Mary, He was gracious and showed her trust. It was my wive's money and she can do what she wants with it. This act, may just be remembered and may bring him into the kingdom, we never know.

Like the religious people of the day who witnessed Mary's act, they were ruled by the cost and not by what she was doing for Jesus. We should all do the same for the people in need on our streets. They are cold, hungry and have no self respect. Just an act of kindness can bring them proof that some people care for them. We don't know what brought them to be homeless or in great need and we should always be wise not to go too far. But, a few coins can give them hope.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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