“Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me … She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:6,8).
Did you know that 96% of Americans buy gifts for their families this time of year, spending an average of $997.73? So, it’s no stretch to guess that many of us have spent time this month thinking about gifts. And you may have heard mention of gifts given to Jesus — whether from a fictional drummer boy or perhaps those mysterious Magi who brought treasures from the East to honor the young king.
This sermon aims to point to Jesus, encouraging us to honor him in ways fit for God’s Anointed One. We’ll look at three gifts given to Jesus — though probably not the ones that leap to mind — and talk about a different Mary and Joseph than we see in nativity scenes around town. Nothing shows how special Jesus is better than telling the gospel story, so in the three stories we’ll look at — one in his youth, one before his death, and one before his resurrection — I hope we remember why we give him the gift of ourselves.
Gift of the Magi
Ancient writers like Plutarch, Xenophon, and Herodotus speak of these influential advisors to the rulers in Mesopotamia or Persia (magoi). The Greek Old Testament (LXX) uses this word to describe the senior counselors in Nebuchadnezzar’s court — of whom Daniel became chief (Dan. 2:2; 48). The New Testament describes Elymas, high court advisor to Sergius Paulus, as a Magi.
These Magi traveled far, bringing their wealth and influence, first before Herod and then before the actual “king of the Jews” (Matt. 2:2). Traveling across dangerous territories, they would have come in a large caravan, probably with servants and horses. Contrary to the scenes around town, the Magi didn’t visit Jesus at birth. When the Magi come, Jesus is a toddler in a house (Matt. 2:7, 11, 16), not a baby in a manger.
Unlike the chief priests and scribes who knew the Bible and the “king” who insincerely claimed to seek him, these men offered rich gifts and gave the gift of worship.
Gift of a Woman
Days before Jesus’ death, Jesus receives the lavish gift of ointment worth a year’s wages. It was hard for a typical woman to earn that kind of money then, so it was probably a family heirloom. In giving the gift, she broke the alabaster flask, highlighting the fullness of the offering — she kept nothing back.
Jesus has entered Jerusalem for a different coronation than anyone would expect. Just days after this anointing, a sign above a cross will proclaim him King of the Jews.
Mark just calls the gift-giver “a woman” (Mark 14:3). However, John’s gospel seems to give a parallel account (John 12:1-8) that identifies her as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Mark loves using a storytelling device we call a Markan sandwich, linking two stories by placing one within the other. Often, the two stories create a contrast, as they do here between Judas’ betrayal of the chief priests and scribes (Mark 14:1-2,10-11) and this woman’s devotion (Mark 14:3-9). Judas (John 12:4-5) and others called the gift a waste (Mark 14:4), but Jesus called it a “beautiful thing” (Mark 14:6).
Jesus came to Jerusalem with shouts about the Son of David, and she poured the ointment over his head like Samuel over David’s head. Yet she anoints him — not as king — but as a soon-to-be-dead man. “She has anointed my body beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:8). Jesus has entered Jerusalem for a different coronation than any would expect. Just days after this anointing, a sign above a cross will proclaim him King of the Jews.
This woman gave the gift of sacrifice. Think of your sacrifices for Jesus. Our time, energy, money, and abilities — every gift of our devotion is “beautiful” to him (14:6). We can’t do all we may want. But Jesus notices and values when someone “has done what she could” (14:8). Nothing done for him disappears, growing tired or meaningless with time. We still speak of her sacrifice as Jesus predicted (Mark 14:9). But even if no one talks about your sacrifice, it is recorded in heaven and will last forever before our Lord.
Gift of Joseph
Joseph of Arimathea saw Jesus’ body and gave him the gift of an honorable burial in a new tomb he had prepared for himself (Mark 15:42-46). Joseph exemplifies faithfulness in his hope, boldness, and loyal action, as “looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:43).
The woman prepared Jesus for burial, and Joseph completed her act of devotion with his show of allegiance and care.
In another Markan sandwich, he contrasts Joseph’s boldness (15:42-46) with the women’s timidness (15:40-41,15:47-16:8) as they look to the cross “from a distance” (15:40) then run terrified from the tomb, so afraid they told “no one” (16:8). But Joseph doesn’t stand idly by or run away. In the face of possible political blowback, he courageously steps forward. He gives Jesus the honor in death he deserved in life. He requests that Pilate, the governor who just oversaw Jesus’ execution, give him Christ’s body.
The woman prepared Jesus for burial, and Joseph completed her act of devotion with his show of allegiance and care. He gave the gift of loyalty. Such a king deserves followers who stand with him when the stakes are high.
What can I give?
Popular carols and children’s stories we hear this time of year creatively ask, “What gift can I give fit for a king?” Today, we’ve seen three gifts fit for the King of Kings. The gifts Jesus values come from earnest followers who receive and honor him. You can give these gifts — not frankincense, nard, or an honorable burial — but the gifts of sincere worship, sacrificial service, and courageous loyalty.