Mark 14:9 “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”
The word “memorial” is translated from the Greek word mnemosunon, which means “a token of remembrance”. A memorial is a statue or structure established to remind people of a person or event. A memorial is exactly what it is — the memory of someone, or an event carefully preserved over time.
I thoroughly enjoy whenever I read the scripture, and God commands the children of Israel to keep a memorial of a certain event. Some other times, they hewed a stone, other times, a statue. It was supposed to serve as a constant reminder of God’s goodness, and faithfulness whenever that memorial is found.
The Passover, which represented the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt was one of the greatest events that happened in the lives of the Children of Israel. I dare to say that it was one of the first proofs of the greatness of God, and it was such an experiential miracle for that newly found Israel nation. If you try to chronicle the series of events right from the ten plagues sent to the utmost parting of the red sea, indeed it was a victorious, resounding and indefatigable rescue.
In relative terms, it’s like a country about 3years old defeating in a war, a country that has been existing for more than 3000 years.
The conquest was great and the fame of Israel went across all over the world at that time – it was that significant – it started a revolution in their lives. It was memorable indeed. Exodus 13: 19 “It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt.”
The chapter 13 of Exodus gave an inexhaustible detail of the memorial. Maginificient!
At least 32 times, the word ‘memorial’ was mentioned in the bible.
In our focus verse, a woman also did something memorable. She brought out an alabaster box which had a costly ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus she sat weeping. A commentary noted that the cost of the ointment will be equal to a man’s annual salary and it’s purchase might have taken all of Mary’s savings. She did this act in love and devotion to Jesus. What struck me the most was Jesus response that ….what she hath done will be spoken of as a memorial for her wherever the gospel is going to be preached.
Kindly pay attention to these three important things:
1. Mary came with a very costly ointment. Even when it meant her emptying all her life savings, she didn’t draw back. If you will follow Jesus fully, it will come at a cost. Are you willing to pay the price? Have you considered your service and devotion to Jesus does it cost you something? In 2 Samuel 24:24. “But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing” David will not offer to God what wouldn’t cost him. For you it may be your favourite TV show, your designer bags/clothes, your time with family, football match etc.
2. Mary was faced with opposition, ciriticsm and condemnation. You cannot live a Christ-fulfilling life without opposition. You could even face your biggest challenge within your family. Judas vehemently told Mary that the ointment was too costly to be wasting it on Jesus’ feet, that it had better been sold and proceeds given to the poor. Truth is, the intent of Judas and others that criticized Mary were not genuine. Jesus knew Mary’s heart and saw her true intentions.
3. Mary did what she could do. She wasn’t looking for a name, position or fame. But how remarkable the act was that it became a memorial — a legacy that outlasted her. And as Jesus said, everywhere today where the gospel is preached, this act is always mentioned. Incredible! Whether you engage in routine or privileged task in the church, or you have a talent, or feel unqualified, or unworthy, in whatever you do, ensure you do it heartily and your dedication remains a forever memorial.
One of the verses of a popular hymn, goes thus:
I want to be like Jesus,
Engaged in doing good,
So that of me it may be said,
‘She hath done what she could.
Mary’s noble act earned her those words from Jesus, “she hath done what she could”. It means Jesus weighed her capability, her purse, her focus, her heart. If Jesus carries out this same examination today, would he be able to say for the progress and expansion of the gospel of Christ’s kingdom on earth, you have done what you could? Are you truly pulling your weights for Christ’ sake? Or you are part of the mob who daily criticizes? Or always finding an excuse for not serving God truly?
What memorial will the body of Christ and the world at large hewn for you when you have transcended from this earth. What will be remembered when your name is mentioned? You are only remembered by what you have done.
In this year 2025, work towards ‘that memorial’.
God bless you
EGC 2025
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