What is God’s love? It really is a strange one. This can be seen in Mark 14:1-6. Two women and sisters (Mary and Martha) reacted to the presence of Jesus at their brother’s house in two different ways. What lessons can we learn from Mary about love for God?

1. God’s love does not calculate the less or the more.

Love is reckless and refuses to count the cost. We either do something beautiful or we fail to do it by letting “common sense” get in the way. Instead of working in the house like Martha. Mary buys expensive oil to anoint the head of feet of Jesus. This act of Mary will be a memorial for all time. There are always some who object. The ringleader was Judas Iscariot. He was offended and angry at what he thought was a waste of money. Needless to say he was the treasurer. However, what you do or give to Jesus is never a waste. There will always be those who make the excuse that it could have been given to the poor. The murmurer does not really love Jesus. It is Judas who will sell Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. He was the traitor as well as the treasurer!

2. God’s love is in the present.

Jesus tells them to leave Mary alone! The poor will be here today, tomorrow, next year and every year. Yes, do them good but Jesus will not come again for this woman. She is taking the opportunity now. Imagine if we all did what we could. The world would be a much better place! You can leave it too late. The timing for Mary was now. Martha, Lazarus, Peter and others were in the room. It is only Mary who did something outstanding to recognise Jesus. Martha did it while Jesus was alive. There is no point doing it when they are dead! Flowers are no use to them then.

3. God’s love is private communion and displayed openly to others.

Mary didn’t talk to anyone about what she was doing. She communed with her own heart. If she had mentioned to anyone then they would have put her off with such things as the cost.

4. God’s love does good works.

Mary had wrought a good work. It is possible to be morally clean but cold in your heart. (e.g. Pharisees) There needs to be warmth and enthusiasm in our hearts for the things of God. Mary really loved the Lord in this way.

5. God’s love wins the heart of God.

Jesus has won our heart. The actions of Mary had won the heart of Jesus. How many of us have won the heart of Jesus? Jesus has to ask Peter three times if He loves Him. Jesus wants to know if you really, really love Him. Do you love Jesus? If yes, then tell Jesus. That is the sort of person that Jesus is and He never changes. He loves us first and wants to be loved back.

There is many types of love that we talk about in this world but this divine love is strange but stronger than any other love. It has to be. It is a love that changes lives and takes those heading to death into life. Jesus would demonstrate that love for you on the cross. Now love Him back now and forever!

Categories: Mark