In Mark 12:41-44, we are told the story of the poor widow offering everything she had to give. Jesus praises her actions saying that she had given more than the rich people who gave out of their wealth. But isn’t she offering her money in the temple? In Mark 11 we read the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple. This widow is giving her money to a failed institution. Why is Jesus commending her for what she is doing?
In Mark 14:3-9, we are told the story of a poor woman who breaks an expensive ointment and anoints Jesus. It seems like such a waste. I can understand the people’s response; I probably would have responded the same way. She could have very well taken this perfume, sold it for pretty good money, and given that money to those in need. I remember being told, “...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mtt. 25:40).
The importance in these two stories is not what the women are giving, and it’s certainly not where they are giving it. The greatest importance is that they are giving to the Lord. Even further than this, they are giving everything they have, their greatest offering, to God. Women are going to love this, and the “women have their place and it’s not in leadership” folks may not want to read the following: These two poor women are showing the nature of true discipleship against a world where the men are showing treachery. The widow offering her entire living leads to the woman offering her best which leads to Jesus offering his entire self for the world.
The anointing of Jesus holds even more significance. In the time of Jesus, before taking the throne, kings were anointed. In addition, when a person would die, the body would go through a ceremonial anointing or treatment. Before becoming king in his death, Jesus is anointed by a poor woman in the home of a leper. We are led to the greatest sacrifice ever given, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, among the despised, among the poor, in the house of an outcast, a leper.
With this we must ask, are we living true discipleship? Are we leading others in our serving just as these poor women did? May we give our entire life to the one who gives us life, to the one who gave his very life for us.
-Matt
1 comment:
I kind of braced myself at the -"women have their place and it’s not in leadership” folks may not want to read the following - because I have a lot of thoughts and questions on that topic. But what I read in your post is mainly about servanthood and discipleship. I think woman have often taken leadership roles by displaying examples of serving and leading others to what is most important. That can be true whether male or female. It's obvious that women had a very active open role, which many over the years have not taught or acknowledged. I think sometimes though we confuse terms like leadership with power and control - when often it is just the opposite. I've been thinking lately about how we miss a lot of opportunities to serve and bless others around us just because we don't take the time to open our eyes to the opportunities surrounding us each day. Hope this makes some sense with your post - and is not too much rambling:)
Debbie
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