The lady comes on stage with stark credentials: “A woman in the city, which was a sinner” (Luke 7:37).
You would think that such “credentials” would debar her forever from having any part to play in the story of Jesus.
But lo and behold, He has nothing but praise for her: “Verily, I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:9). Jesus said nothing so complimentary about any other human being! And yet she “was a sinner.”
(a) This is virtually a command: we may think we’re preaching “the gospel” faithfully over and over, but if we’re not telling this story as at the heart of it, we’re shortchanging the people.
(b) This is the lady who came uninvited to “the feast in Simon’s house,” and impulsively breaking her alabaster flask of rare and expensive perfume on His feet, washed them with tears of heart-melting repentance.
(c) No words spoken; no theology expounded.
(d) She succeeded in riling up and angering Judas Iscariot who was in the process of betraying Jesus (cf. John 12:4-6). That in itself is a feat worthy of honorable mention in the gospel story! Having him against you is a compliment, because he was also against Jesus. In order to be Christlike, everybody must have some enemies, and blessed are you if the like of Judas are your enemies.
(e) “Blessed [happy, GNB] are you when they [people like Judas] revile and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake,” says Jesus (Matt. 5:11). That puts you into the upper echelon of heavenly “society.” (But wait a moment, please don’t rush out and try to make enemies for He also says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (vs. 9). Mary Magdalene was a full-fledged “peacemaker.” She had not a word of censure to speak against any of the Twelve; the censure was all theirs).
(f) Jesus turned everything upside down when He said that this woman “which was a sinner” had “anointed” Him to His cross (Mark 14:8). No angel in heaven had been given such a high honor, for none could have whispered comfort and encouragement to Him as He hung on His cross, as the memory of Mary’s deed imparted. It assured Him that He was not dying in vain, for she would be the first of such multitudes.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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