English Standard Version
In a country as diverse as ours, there is massive diversity among individuals, and it grows daily. Some value money while others value relationships. Some value popularity and fame, while others value family and simplicity. Some value faith and service, others humility. Our own values can bounce around, changing depending on who we're near and what we're doing, if we're not careful.
These verses show us the different values of the people who were around Jesus. We see the chief priests and scribes are experiencing a threat to their authority and power, so they want to eliminate that. They don't value honest inquiry and intellectual curiosity -- they value their position in society, and will do anything to protect that.
Others around Jesus value money -- they're instantly thinking of the cost of the ointment, wondering if this is the best use of it. They want to see something monetized so they can count its value.
This woman -- she values Jesus above all else. This costly ointment means so little in comparison to Jesus, that she is willing to pour it upon Jesus as an expression of love. Everything else pales compared to the surpassing value of Jesus.
Spend some time today thinking about your own values and how you express those in your life. What do you value above all else, and how do you show that?
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