How Did Jesus Feel About Extravagant Gifts?

Today my husband gave me an extravagant gift. He did it in love, because I’ve recently received some sad news. He also did it in preparation for a very hard decision I will soon have to make. He hopes this gift will comfort me when that time comes. I love the gift, even as my heart hurts.

But there is a part of me which worries about its extravagance. I’m afraid some people may not understand the gift the way I do. From their perspective, it could seem indulgent or unwise. I know Jesus can relate to me in this situation. He once  received a gift so extravagant it caused even some of His closest friends to struggle:

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.

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. (Mark 14:3-5 NIV)

In the parallel account in John, we learn the woman is Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 12:1-3). And one of the friends who criticized the gift is the apostle Judas (John 12:4-5). In both gospels the gift is estimated to be worth a year’s wages. And in both accounts we learn that the critics felt the money should have been spent more wisely (i.e., given to the poor).

Yet Jesus did not share their opinion. He responded:

 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

In Jesus’ words I find these nuggets of wisdom:

Jesus described Mary’s gift as beautiful. Jesus looked behind the price tag and saw the extravagant love which prompted the gift. 

Jesus understood the importance of timing. Jesus knew His time on this earth was drawing to a close. Mary only had this one opportunity to offer her gift. 

Jesus understood Mary did what she could. Jesus knew He would soon suffer the agony of the cross. I’m sure Mary would have preferred to stop the cross from coming. But she couldn’t. So she did what she could to honor and prepare Jesus for what lay ahead.

Jesus believed Mary’s gift is worth remembering. Jesus promised us the story of her gift would be preached along with the gospel ~ in memory of her. Mary will always be remembered for the gift she gave Jesus. 

Jesus understood deeply the power of an extravagant gift. Soon after receiving Mary’s anointing, Jesus went to the cross to offer us His gift ~ our salvation. It cost Him everything ~ His very life. Behind this incredible sacrifice lies an extravagant love. The timing of His gift is perfect, because it comes to each of us at the very moment we need most ~ when we are powerless and ungodly (Romans 5:6). Only Jesus could attain salvation for us, for He alone is the perfect lamb of God (1 Peter 1:18-19). Most of all, Jesus’ gift is worth remembering, and sharing.

As I continue down my life’s journey, I hope to find many ways to extravagantly bless those I love ~ just as my husband blessed me. But most of all I pray to remember the most extravagant gift I ever received ~ and the One who gave it. Wherever the road leads you, I pray you can do the same.