Missionary Daniel Files, serving in Thailand, recently visited our church during his furlough and delivered a stirring sermon based on Mark 14:1-9. In this passage, a woman anoints Jesus with costly ointment just days before His crucifixion, prompting criticism from others yet receiving profound commendation from the Lord. Brother Files uses her example to challenge believers to do what they can for Christ, no matter their circumstances. His message blends personal insights from ministry in Thailand with timeless biblical truth, urging us all to live with wholehearted devotion.
In the midst of preparations for the Passover feast, with joy and busyness filling the air, Jesus faced the agony of the cross ahead. While multitudes focused on temporal matters, Christ fixed His eyes on the eternal. He knew betrayal, beating, mockery, and crucifixion awaited Him. Yet He came willingly, for He laid down His life voluntarily to pay for the sins of the world.
Into this scene stepped a woman, likely Mary of Bethany, who brought an alabaster box of very precious ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head. Critics immediately murmured against her, calling it waste. Jesus defended her, declaring she had wrought a good work and had done what she could. Her act became a memorial wherever the gospel is preached.
She Sincerely Showed Up
This woman simply showed up. She heard Jesus was at Simon the leper’s house and came because she loved Him. No invitation arrived, no promotion enticed her, yet she wanted to be where Christ was. Faithfulness matters. Jesus shows up every time believers gather in His name. Whether Sunday school, morning worship, evening service, or midweek prayer, He is present. Showing up demonstrates love for Him over distractions or convenience. Many chase celebrities or events, yet the greatest name is Jesus. Being present honours Him.
She Didn’t Come to Leave
She arrived not to receive but to give worship. Others came to see Lazarus or witness miracles, but she came to honour Christ. Too often churches rush through services to accommodate short attention spans, yet true worship involves participation. Singing, praying, praising, and hearing the Word all exalt Him. Everyone can worship, for anything with breath can praise the Lord. Come ready to magnify His name together.
She Selflessly Sacrificed
The ointment, worth three hundred pence or a year’s wages, represented great value. She could have sold it for personal needs or family burial, yet she gave it all without hesitation. No offering plate passed; she gave willingly from a heart of surrender. She poured it out, wiped His feet with her hair, and bowed before Him. Such sacrifice goes beyond tithes to giving until it hurts, trusting God to provide. Stories from mission fields show believers selling possessions to support the gospel, rejoicing in the privilege.
She Stood Steadfast in Spite of Suffering
Critics arose, murmuring against her. Yet she pressed on, undeterred by opposition. Jesus rebuked them and defended her. When we surrender fully, criticism often follows, but the Lord handles it. Keep serving faithfully; do not let murmuring stop what God calls you to do.
She Shared the Gospel with Others
Her act carried such power that Jesus declared it would be spoken of wherever the gospel is preached. Her testimony points others to Christ. In Thailand, Brother Files preached this passage, and people heard the gospel for the first time through her story. You may never travel abroad or preach publicly, but you can share across the street, with neighbours, or through gospel tracts. One elderly lady passed out 127 tracts in a week, proving anyone can share. Do what you can while you can.
Conclusion
Mary did what she could, all that she could, and she did it while she could. Jesus commended her, and her example endures. The same call applies today. Quit excuses about what cannot be done; focus on what can be done for Christ. Go where possible, give what possible, share while time remains. First, receive what Christ has done by trusting Him for salvation if you have not yet been born again. May each of us leave changed, committed to doing what we can for Him who gave everything for us. Let this truth stir hearts toward greater devotion and gospel impact, both locally and through missions around the world.
