As a rather young girl, she was started down a path of dire sin. It was a path she did not wish to pursue. She, at one point, was under the control of seven demons. Demons can exact heavy demands. Inside, Mary wanted desperately to be cleared of the demons, the lifestyle, the reputation, the pain, the disgrace.
God can see past the present and the visible to the cry of the heart. Jesus cleared the demons. Jesus forgave her. She found value in Jesus. See found the power to get into a new lifestyle in Jesus. She was able to establish a new reputation in Jesus. She had learned to listen to Jesus. Mary could take Jesus at His word because His word had power in her life. One of the things He was saying was that He was soon to die.
That prospect was a blindingly unthinkable thought to her. In desperation she bought that box of spikenard. That box was worth a good year’s wages, say $30,000. She found her opportunity six days before His death. She tried to take care not to be noticed, but she failed to reckon what a pervasive effect such a quantity of high-powered perfume released in a steamy crowded room would have as she poured it on His hair and on His feet. Once again Jesus understood and appreciated.
Who knows the value of that reckless gift? The gift was one not easily set aside. This is a kind of perfume that doesn’t just go away; it wears away, especially when rubbed in. In the anguish of the conflict in Gethsemane the heat and sweat would have brought that gift of scent back to life. There is no sense that brings memories and events back to mind like a smell. In the atmosphere of that scent He was reminded of the need of mankind – of the love He came preserve.
On the cross that scent sat gently reminding Him of the victories and love of that young woman over there – of victories and love you and I can have. Who knows the value and encouragement Jesus received of that extravagant, reckless gift, that gift of victories gained and self-esteem regained?
Who knows to what use God can put our gifts of gratitude?