Give It All

“And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.”

Mark 14:3 ESV

This story has so many different perspectives that can be gleaned from it. I’ve read it many times and one theme that stands out to me every time is, this woman gave Jesus everything. She broke her “treasure” over His head and anointed Him with it. I wonder what it cost her to gain that alabaster box? What choices had to be made to fill it with treasure? Possibly sin accompanied by compromise, pain, regret? However, she obtained what the world labeled treasure, she knew it was rubbish compared to her sacrifice of worship to the Master.

I wasn’t there, I don’t know her heart, but I imagine she gave Jesus her pain, shame and past. She anointed Him with all the brokenness that led up to being rescued by the Savior. In addition, she gave Him her plan B, all her provision, all her trust. She gave Him EVERYTHING.

“Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."”

Luke 9:62 ESV

When she committed to Jesus she gave it all. Never to look back, breaking any other avenue of provision or trust to follow Jesus. She defied culture, shame and what others may think to make a public spectacle of her love for the Master. I can’t help but ask myself if I’ve given it all? Have I broke my alabaster box and burned my plow? Whatever you’re holding onto is nothing in comparison for what Jesus offers. Give it all.