A Good Work

But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, Why do you trouble woman? For she has done a good work for Me.  

Matthew 26:10 

Christ sets high value on works done out of pure love for Him. The passage from which our text derives narrates the story of a woman who entered the house of Simon the leper with an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil. Other accounts of this incident set the value of it at almost a year’s wages. In his account, John indicates Judas Iscariot was the most vocal critic because he was the treasurer of the group, and a thief. Christ defended the woman, reasoning that the disciples had opportunity to do good to the poor always, but that He would not be available much longer. He went on to say she was anointing His body for His burial. He set His seal of approval upon her service to Him by saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.’ This woman, whom John identifies as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, demonstrated pure love for Christ. She had sat at His feet, witnessed Him raise her brother from the dead, and loved Him thoroughly. Thus, to her, this was not an extravagant gift. Christ set high value on her good work. He recognized the purity of her love and devotion. What can we do out of pure love for Christ? Surely there must be something. 

Our Gracious God and our Savior, 
we rejoice that You see those who have pure love for You. 
We praise You that You will reward their love.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning