The Final Week of Jesus - Thursday

The Final Week – Thursday

⁹ Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mark 14:9

A good reputation is difficult to create, but easy to destroy. I heard that years ago and every now and then I read something that reminds me just how true that is. Mark 14 is like that because here three reputations are made, and the reputation of an unnamed woman stands out like a shining star.

Here is a woman who decides to be extravagant with a gift of perfume worth a year’s wages. Some people look on this as a waste, but Jesus doesn’t. In fact, he declares that where the gospel is preached what she has done will also be told. 

But she isn’t the only character in the chapter. There is also a disciple named Peter who spoke with great promise when he said he would never run away from Jesus or deny him even if he had to die. But the chapter ends with him weeping when he realises this is exactly what he has done. 

Between these two is Judas – one of the twelve, as Mark describes him. He was a disciple of Jesus too. He had heard what Jesus was teaching and witnessed what Jesus was doing, but it wasn’t enough. He is remembered as the betrayer. Not a great reputation to carry around. 

Which of these three reflects your reputation? One who gives all to Jesus, one who promises much but fails (though that’s not the end of his story), or one who rejects Jesus. 

Let your reputation be one that points people to Jesus, not one that leads people away.