August 17

While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head. Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. — Mark 14:3-6 BSB

Usefulness isn’t the only measure of service to Christ.

Some acts, though they may not seem directly helpful to others, are still beautiful and pleasing to Christ. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with costly ointment didn’t feed the hungry, relieve the sick, or clothe the poor—yet Jesus commended her for it. He finds joy in offerings made out of love for Him, even if they aren’t necessary for His work.

We don’t need to measure all of our acts of service by how useful they are to others. Mary’s pouring of ointment over Jesus’ head and feet wasn’t a practical or “useful” ministry, yet it was good and beautiful in His sight. Consider the beauty God spreads across nature—the flowers and the sky don’t directly meet human needs, but they still glorify Him. What mattered most to Jesus was Mary’s love for Him, which made her act beautiful. In the great sorrow He carried as He neared the cross, nothing could strengthen Him more than love. Likewise, the greatest blessing we can offer someone else is love.