Haven't you heard it said that actions speak louder than words? For example, a bunch of flowers, or a box of sweets, or a helping hand in the home, can say a lot to a mother or wife.
Here is the true story of a woman who said nothing, yet her message is heard all over the world! (Mark 14:9.)
A great Teacher had shocked His audience by telling them in great detail some horrible things that were soon to happen to Him. Surely no-one can say for sure what will happen in the future! Yet this Teacher, calling Himself the Son of Man, said to his followers, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. They will condemn Him to death and will turn Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day He will be raised to life!" (Matthew 20:18-19.)
How could He know the future? Because He was Jesus, the Son of God, and He not only knew what was in men's hearts but also knew what the outcome would be! Nothing could take Jesus by surprise! (John 2:25.)
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus arrived at Bethany where a dinner was given in His honour. "Among those reclining at the table with Him" was Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead...
"Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;" and, as far as we know she never said a word, she just "poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And so the house was filled with the perfume." (verse 3.)
These were the feet that were carrying Jesus on towards His certain death; although Peter had earlier tried to stop Him! (Matthew 16:21- 23.)
Later when Peter came to understand his terrible mistake, he wrote down for us why Jesus had wanted to go on to die - it was because He wanted to take the punishment for our sins! (1st Peter 3:18. 2:24.)
Mary did not try to prevent Jesus going on towards His death; instead she refreshed His feet, helping to prepare them for the horrifying pathway ahead. What an encouragement this act of appreciation and gratitude was for Jesus. (verse 7.)
A Christian song tells about Jesus' journey in this way: "He took my sins and my sorrows; He made them His very own. He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone." Jesus, alone, was able and willing to go and be punished for your sins and mine. (Hebrews 10:5-14.)
Mary seemed to understand how marvellous and how wonderful the Saviour's love for her was.
Do YOU realise why Jesus had to go on to Calvary? You express your love for Him when you put your complete trust in Him as your Saviour - the One who fully paid for your sins by His death for you? (Romans 3 :22-26. 2nd Corinthians 5:17-21.)
Mary is not recorded as having said anything at that time, yet today the world still hears about Mary's expression of love for the One who was going to die for her.
Read about it in John chapter 12 verses 1-3.
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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