The heroes and heroines of the Bible often take us by surprise. The woman in today's Scripture reading is a prime example. (John 12:3 tells us her name was Mary.) She was singled out by Jesus to be mentioned wherever the gospel is preached. Mary had scandalized some of those dining with Jesus by her lavish devotion as she anointed Him with perfume worth more than a year's wages. I believe Mary did this in anticipation of Jesus' death.
"Why this waste?" asked those at the table who expressed a concern for the poor (Matthew 26:8-9). If they had been attending Jesus' funeral rather than a dinner with Him, they may have reacted quite differently. Yet, when Mary showed Him her extravagant love while He was alive, she was severely criticized for such waste.
We can learn a valuable lesson from Mary's devotion. We need to break out our best perfumes for the living. Yet all too often we wait until someone we know has died to show the appreciation that we fail to show in life.
Is there someone who comes to your mind, a friend or family member, who would be honored and encouraged by an expression of your love and appreciation? Then do something to show it—while the person is still alive.
— Haddon W. Robinson
Show love to others young and old,
Encourage them while they are near;
For when they've gone to their reward,
Your loudest praise they will not hear. —D. De Haan
Give praise to others while they are here; they won't need it in the hereafter.