Mary Had Obeyed the Holy Spirit’s Promptings

Mary did not know the full significance of her deed of love. She could not explain why she had chosen that occasion to anoint Jesus. The Holy Spirit had planned for her, and she had obeyed His promptings. Inspiration is not obligated to give its reasons. An unseen presence, it moves the heart to action. It is its own justification.HH 259.1

Christ told Mary the meaning of her act: “In pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.” As the alabaster box was broken and filled the house with fragrance, so Christ’s body was to be broken; but He was to rise from the tomb, and the fragrance of His life was to fill the earth. “Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:2.HH 259.2

“Assuredly, I say to you,” Christ declared, “wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” The Savior spoke with certainty about His gospel that was to be preached throughout the world. And as far as the gospel extended, Mary’s gift would spread its fragrance, and hearts would be blessed through her generous, spontaneous act. Kingdoms would rise and fall, the names of conquerors would be forgotten, but this woman’s deed would live forever on the pages of sacred history. Until time is no more, that broken alabaster box will tell the story of God’s abundant love for a fallen race.HH 259.3

What a sharp lesson Christ could have given to Judas! He who reads the motives of every heart might have revealed to those at the feast the dark chapters in Judas’s experience. Instead of sympathizing with the poor, he was robbing them of the money intended for their relief. But if Christ had unmasked Judas, this would have seemed like a reason for the betrayal. Judas would have gained sympathy, even among the disciples. The Savior avoided giving him an excuse for his evil bargain.HH 259.4