Jesus watched a woman break an expensive jar of ointment and pour it on His head. Many criticized this "extravagance," but Jesus said, "She has done what she could" (Mark 14:8). It may have been her most expensive gift, and she gave it in deep gratitude to Jesus, who had made such a difference in her life.
In the life of Jesus, many simple and ordinary people assisted Jesus: the women who accompanied Him and provided for His needs; the man who opened his "upper room" to Jesus; Matthew, who entertained Jesus and his friends with a meal; and Joseph of Arimathea, who gave his new tomb to bury Him.
So today, every one of us can do what we can to assist in the work of God: a financial gift; hosting a supper; doing some typing; volunteering to help in a youth or mission trip; making things comfortable for a special meeting of God's leaders who are discussing eternal matters; being kind, gentle and thoughtful. All of us need to look and see what we do have and release it in love. God Himself will put His "value" on it.
This woman did not realize at the time the significance of "doing what she could." Yet Jesus put God's response on this woman's generous gift: "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her" (Mark 14:9). You may feel that you have so "little" to offer from your life as you live it out in the marketplace. Perhaps you don't feel that you can speak effectively, or you are very shy. While you may think that what you can do is not very important, from God's perspective it can be eternally significant!
Don't withhold what you can do. Do it as unto God, and not as unto men, and God will receive it and use it thoroughly (Col. 3:23, 24).
