Mark 14:1-9
“While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.”
The woman who anointed Jesus expressed her love for Him by doing something above and beyond the expectations of others.
Extravagant love is an expression of love that is far beyond expectation.
In fact, it was so extravagant that those observing her questioned her gesture.
What they did not understand was that she was not fulfilling a need or hoping for something in return. She was pouring out a lavish expression of love.
Her extravagance was so profound that Jesus declared her actions would be remembered wherever the gospel would be preached.
Love is not simply fulfilling responsibility. It is meant to go far beyond and it has no boundaries. It persists unconditionally.
The woman with the alabaster jar found her expression of lavished love. She gained a memorable reputation.
Licy John, Hyderabad – 7067

He answered nothing

Mark 15: 3 – 5. The chief priests accused Jesus for many things. But Jesus answered nothing.

Is it not a great surprise? If anyone accuses us we will not keep quiet till we proove that they are wrong. We may say that this is not like that, or what they say is not true. Even if we have done that mistake, we may say the reasons or blame the circumstances as the cause. But eventhough Jesus was innocent and blameless, He answered nothing.

Then Pilate asked Him, do You answer nothing? See, how many things they testify against you? But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled. What can we learn from the silence of Jesus?

1. The prophecy which was told by Isaiah, the prophet, was fulfilled. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before its shearers is silent. So He opened not His mouth. Isaiah 53: 7.

2 . Also Jesus set and kept an example for not getting angry , for His patience and long suffering inspite of false accusations on Him. Today let us also keep our patience with out getting angry and weary and with out answering. Let us not open our mouth and let us leave it for our Lord’s justice.

3. David also did the same thing. He said l was mute with silence. I did not open my mouth, because it was, You who did ( allowed ) it. Psalm
   39: 2, 9.

Yes, let us follow the footsteps of Jesus, to be patient, not getting angry or irritated and keep our mouth shut when we are falsely accused. Let us pray for the accusers to repent. Let us forgive them. When someone accuses us falsely , let us learn to rejoice, because we will have great reward in heaven. Amen. Hallelujah.

Dr. Padmini Selvyn.