Why did some disciples react with indignation in Mark 14:4? Setting the scene - Jesus is reclining at table in Simon the leper’s house, Bethany (Mark 14:3). - A woman breaks an alabaster jar of “pure nard, very expensive,” and pours it on His head (Mark 14:3). - Immediately: “But some of those present expressed their indignation to one another: ‘Why this waste of perfume?’” (Mark 14:4). Why the indignant reaction? - The perfume’s value—“more than three hundred denarii” (Mark 14:5)—was roughly a year’s wages; the cost shocked them. - They believed the money “could have been given to the poor” (Mark 14:5). Caring for the poor was commanded (Deuteronomy 15:11) and practiced during Passover season, so the timing heightened their concern. - John identifies Judas as the loudest voice (John 12:4–5). His real motive was greed: “he was a thief” (John 12:6). His feigned compassion influenced the others, stirring a shared sense of outrage. - Their perspective remained earth-bound. Jesus had repeatedly foretold His death (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34), yet they still did not grasp its nearness. Without that understanding, the anointing looked wasteful rather than prophetic preparation (Mark 14:8). Heart motives exposed - Misplaced priorities: They valued fiscal prudence over honoring the Lord of glory (compare Haggai 1:4). - Spiritual dullness: The disciples failed to perceive the significance of the moment—an act foreshadowing burial (Mark 14:8). - Hypocrisy and self-interest: Judas cloaked covetousness in pious language (John 12:6). The others, influenced by him, fell into similar hypocrisy (1 Corinthians 15:33). - Prideful judgment: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). They evaluated the woman’s gift by monetary metrics, not by its love and worship. Jesus’ corrective - “Leave her alone… She has done a beautiful thing to Me” (Mark 14:6). True worship always honors Christ first (Colossians 3:23-24). - “The poor you will always have with you” (Mark 14:7), echoing Deuteronomy 15:11. Care for the poor remains, but worship of the incarnate Son in this unique hour had higher priority. - “She has anointed My body beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:8). The woman understood what the indignant disciples missed. Lessons for today - Extravagant devotion to Jesus is never a waste (Philippians 3:7-8). - Concern for the poor is vital (James 1:27), yet it must not eclipse wholehearted worship. - Beware of cloaking selfish motives in spiritual language (Proverbs 21:2). - Discern Christ’s purposes before criticizing another believer’s act of devotion (Romans 14:4). |
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