When You’ve Done All You Could Do

“She has done what she could….”
Mark 14:8a (NLT)

John’s Gospel identifies the woman who anointed Jesus with the beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.  The Bible says that the amount Mary used was worth a year’s wages! It was an extravagant expression of love and gratitude.  Jesus was not only a good friend of Mary and her family, but He raised her brother, Lazarus, from the dead!  Little wonder that she would give Him the best she had to give. 

In his commentary on Mark’s Gospel, author Warren Wiersbe notes, “Mary is found three times in the Gospel story; and each time, she is at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:31-32; 12:1-8). Mary had a close fellowship with the Lord as she sat at His feet and listened to His Word. She is a good model for all of us to follow.” Those times with Jesus gave Mary keen spiritual insight. She heard Him predict His death. 

Jesus rebuked those who were scolding her for such an extravagant “waste” of resources, letting them know she was anointing His body for burial ahead of time. Knowing that His time was short, Mary did what she could to express her love to Jesus. When I read a story like this, it begs the question: Have I?  Have I done what I could to express my love for Jesus?  Is there something more that I could do?  If you knew that you only had this moment left with someone you loved, what would you want to do so that they would know you loved them? 

Jesus told those rebuking her, “Leave her alone.  Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to Me? … She has done what she could….” Mark 14:6;8a (NLT) 

As a pastor who often speaks to crowds, I’ve discovered that people may forget what you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel.  Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (Vs. 9)   

When you’ve done all you could do, it will never be forgotten.