Many Christians behave like those who criticized Mary when she anointed the Lord Jesus (Mark 14:3-9). They felt that Jesus did not deserve such special treatment. They did not treat Him in a manner worthy of who He is. For officials, loved ones, or other honorable individuals, they can show the highest respect. So why not go to the Lord? This is a grave mistake. A person’s treatment of God shows how much they know, love, and honor Him. It also reveals whether they truly value God’s grace and goodness in their lives—whether they are moved to respond to that goodness, just as Mary did, in a way that may seem extreme, yet is perfectly natural for someone who understands who Jesus is.
If we compare the story in Mark 14:3-9, Simon—who had been healed of leprosy—should have been the one most fitting to treat Jesus the way Mary did. In that time, leprosy was considered a curse. Its sufferers were not allowed to live in society. They were cast out, living in uncertainty, without relationships, without a future—like someone condemned, simply waiting for execution. Simon’s healing was an immeasurable grace. He should have repaid the Lord’s goodness with the very best he had. But he did not do what was fitting. He only invited Jesus to dine in his house—good, but not worthy compared to the greatness of the grace he received.
In contrast, Mary understood what was fitting to offer to the Lord Jesus.
Mary felt indebted because Jesus had raised her brother Lazarus—her only brother (John 11). So she gave Him the best: pure nard, a costly ointment, and likely her only valuable possession. Usually, people used nard drop by drop. But Mary broke the neck of the alabaster jar so that all of it could be poured out. For Mary, when it came to Jesus, the jar had to be broken—so that her offering would not be partial, but overflowing.
It is deeply ironic that many people desire abundant blessings from God but are not willing to give abundantly to God in return. Therefore, we must ask: How should we repay the goodness of God? Simon, the former leper, did not refuse to repay God’s kindness; he did repay it by hosting Jesus. But in truth, he could have done more—he could have given his very best.
The psalmist once said in Psalm 116:12, “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” This verse expresses a deep inner awareness: we do not know what could be worthy of God, because His goodness is too great. This awareness should be present in every believer who knows they have received God’s goodness. But sadly, many Christians repay God’s kindness only superficially. They treat God in an unworthy manner. For wealthy and respected people, they can give the highest honor—but why not to God?
The salvation God gives is priceless. If Jesus had not saved us, we would perish forever in eternal fire. With what can we repay such immense goodness? We must realize that whatever we give to God—our time, energy, wealth, life—will never match His goodness, because we are people who owe Him our very lives.