354
THE KING’S BUSINESS
cism is more contagious than smallpox. Envy lay at the bottom of “the criticism. They could not understand Mary’s act, not because it was below them, but because it was above them. We shall see later 'that Mary was to have sufficient compen sation for the criticism of the disciples in the approval of the Master. The disciples regarded this use of the exceeding precious ointment as a “waste” (Matt. 26:8). That speaks poorly for their love to Jesus and their estimation of Him, but' there are always those who think money spent on Jesus wasted. To salve their own Con sciences' they suggested the poor as those, to whom the money should be given. There are always plenty of people who never give their own money to the poor but are willing to criticise others for not giving theirs, especially when they are giving it for the honor of their Lord. If they were so anxious for the poor why did they not go and get some money of their- own and give that instead of attacking poor Mary? v. 6 . “This (Now this) he said, not that (because) he cared for the poor: (;) but because he was a thief, and had (having) '■the bag, and bare (took away) what was put therein." Here we have the real secret of Judas Iscariot’s concern about the waste of money. He wished to get Mary’s money into the bag, not that he might 'give it to the poor, but that he might appropriate it for himself. Oftentimes when people sug gest that other people’s money should be differently spent and given to the poor, it is not so much that they are concerned for the poor as that they wish to get hold of the money themselves. Judas’ fall was through avarice, and his own avarice led him to criticise the good act of another. vs. 7, 8 . “Then said Jesus (Jesus there fore said), Let her alone, against the day of my burying hath she kept this (Suffer her to keep it against the day of my bury ing). For the poor always ye have (ye have always) with you: (;) but me ye have not always.” Jesus praised when His disciples criticised. He often praises today where those who do not understand criti
cise. In His praise for Mary there was a heart-searching criticism for Judas and the disciples. He told the critics that they had the poor always with them, and whenso ever they would .they could do them good (Mark 14:7). There was a sharp prick in this for their conciences. There was a gen tle but searching suggestion that they were not usually so concerned about the poor, and if they were so deeply concerned about them, if they wished to they could do them good instead of suggesting how some one else should use her money to do them good. He told them still further that what was to be done for' Him must be'done at once. Upon Mary’s act He bestowed the highest possible praise, “She bath done what she could” (Mark 14:8). That is /all Christ asks of any one, to do what they can (2 Cor. 8:12). Christ never demands the impossible. Mary was not looking for fame when she performed this act, but she got fame immortal. Jesus bestowed such, commendation upon her as He bestowed upon no other, and His wonderful predic tion concerning her that “wheresoever thfs gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of her as a memorial for her” (Matt. 26:13) has been literally ful filled. The words of our Lord appeared incredible when He spoke them, but never theless they have been fulfilled to the let ter: in every corner of the earth Mary’s simple but wondrous, act of faith and love has been mentioned. This wonderful com mendation bestowed upon her by the Lord far more than compensated for the unkind critcism of Judas Iscariot and the rest. We too shall be criticised if prompted by faith and love we do the thing which faith and love prompts, .but we shall also be com mended in due time, and the compensation of our Lord’s commendation Will far more than suffice for the bitterness of the criti cism that others may lavish upon us. Mary had. satisfied the Saviour’s heart. She just poured out her heart’s adoration, sHe wor shipped. Martha was in part taken up with service. Lazarus was in part taken up with
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker