Holy Wednesday: Pursuing Eternal Life

“A woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head… And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Mark 14:3-9

Everywhere that the gospel of Christ is proclaimed, the story of this woman is being told as well. Her story is short: while Christ is dining the house of Simon, a leper, two days before Passover, the woman enters with a jar of an extremely precious ointment and pours it onto Jesus in act of faith, worship, and repentance. Jesus describes the act as “beautiful.” 

We learn from Luke 7:36-50 that this woman has a love for Christ that leads her to service, covers her many sins, and puts the world to shame. She makes a tremendous sacrifice in order to glorify Christ. Her anointing of Christ even draws accusations of wastefulness for its lavishness. But Christ holds her up as a model of faith for all people. Despite the gravity and magnitude of her sin, she is immortalized beside Christ as a faithful servant of The Faithful Servant.

We are often tempted to gather the riches of the world for ourselves. We may even be tempted to gain honor and glory by turning a godly thing, such as charity, into a performance that hides our sinful heart – as Judas does in this scene. As Columbia students, we are only too familiar with temptations of wealth and status. As sinners, we know that we give in to these temptations far too often. This woman’s story challenges us to renounce the things of this world that promise false immortality for the true eternal life and pursue Christ radically, living as though we are free from the bonds of sin, boldly approaching Jesus, who is not ashamed to be our brother, and serving him and seeking forgiveness.

This Holy Wednesday, let us take time to examine our hearts and answer a few questions. How have we passed over Christ for the cares of this world? Do we believe that we have eternal life in the heavenly kingdom or are we still seeking immortal fame on Earth? How have we allowed our sin to prevent us from accepting Jesus’ invitation to repentance and intimate relationship with him? How can we nurture our love for our Savior? Friend, if you find yourself lacking in any of these areas, simply worship at the feet of Christ and serve him wholeheartedly. You too will display a faith that is beautiful, penitent, and immortal.