From our perspective today, we can see the cross of Christ is the centerpiece of the Gospel. The cross is of utmost importance because it is the place where Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The cross encapsulates our salvation and redemption; the cross of Christ ensures our eternal life. But did you realize that during the earthly life of Christ basically, no one saw the cross coming?

The Old Testament is loaded with promises and prophecies about the coming Messiah. With hindsight, we know these events would be fulfilled in either his first or second coming. The Jewish people at the time of Christ were focused on the “positive” prophecies, the ones about the coming King who would clean the clock of all Jewish oppressors. He would be a victorious warrior who would rule and reign with all authority and power. They glossed over the verses about a suffering servant who would be bruised beyond recognition and pierced through for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities.

Jesus wasn’t surprised by the cross. He despised the shame of it, but He didn’t shrink back. He set his face like a flint to go to Jerusalem and his inevitable death on the cross. He tried to prepare his disciples for what was coming. Over and over, he told them that “He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and be raise up on the third day.” Matthew 16:21. He was so clear, but every time he brought this up, they demurred or even argued with him. It was as if blinders were on their eyes. They could not grasp what he was saying. They didn’t want to hear it. They would remember later, but not before the juggernaut of the cross.

In the aftermath of the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus circled back to the fact that he had to suffer. On the road to Emmaus, he asked the two disciples, “Didn’t you know that the Son of Man would have to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Luke 24:26. Somehow in God’s infinite wisdom, suffering is an integral part of the plan of salvation. Suffering comes before glory, but we humans don’t want to hear about suffering.

Only one person listened and understood and perceived when Jesus foretold about His suffering. Mary of Bethany likely heard the references Jesus made about all of this. Instead of denying it like Peter, Mary trusted and believed. Instead of betraying him in disgust like Judas, Mary remained devoted and faithful. The disciples ran away in fear in Gethsemane, Mary is always portrayed as sitting at the feet of Jesus. Mary exhibited humility as his words about suffering settled in. She believed him. She took what he said to heart and held it close. She may have sensed the time of his suffering was at hand. So she did what she could, she sacrificially gave what she had. She broke her alabaster vial filled with expensive perfume, and lavishly poured it all out, anointing his head with her perfume, filling the house with the fragrant aroma.

This was too much for some of the disciples. Mary was roundly criticized and scolded. “Stop her! How dare she waste that expensive perfume. We can sell it and help the poor with the proceeds of the sale.”

Jesus didn’t stop Mary; he stopped the biting criticism and shaming of Mary. “Leave her alone. She has done a good deed to Me. She has done what she could, she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done shall also be spoken of in memory of her.”

O Lord,
May I be like Mary of Bethany? Seated at your feet, listening, perceiving, and understanding your word. May I respond with obedience, doing what I can do and lavishly giving what I have. Give me the courage to stand in faithfulness to you against the criticism of others, even when I look foolish, even when it means embracing suffering.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen