Mark 14:6-7

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her?
She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

A woman has just anointed Jesus with a costly oil. Those at table with him rebuke her, saying essentially that something better could have been done with the money spent on the oil. They speak in judgement. They speak as if they know better. Can you perhaps hear the arrogance in their voices? However, Jesus recognizes her heart and knows that the anointing is done with sincere love for Him. “She has done a beautiful thing.”

Jesus offers her mercy and forgiveness. He defends her. He protects her. Jesus does the same for us. He also knows our heart, and he knows our motivation. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Jesus does see our sin, yet He protects us from the judgement of His Father by His death on the cross in our stead. Can we now do a “beautiful thing” for Jesus? It will not earn us salvation, but it will show Jesus our love, our gratitude, our humility, our desire for others to know His saving grace.

Oh dearest Jesus, by Your blood, we are made beautiful! By the Holy Spirit, we can do beautiful, wonderful things—actions that say “Thank You” to You, deeds that show others who You are, words that praise You and are encouraging to those who cross our path for whatever length of time. May people see the beautiful things we are empowered to do and come to know You because of it. Amen.

Contributed by Cindy Sippy