Have you ever seen a play? One with a physical setting fit for the scene, and characters whose dialogue was calculated and precise? It’s artistic and entertaining, and often reveals hidden attributes of the how and why’s of life.

The narrative of Mary and the alabaster box is no different. In short, she sacrificed and saved what cost a years worth of wages of extremely valuable perfume. A years worth of wages! Don’t miss the planning, sacrifice, and preparation it would take to accomplish this bold feat. Mary had set the stage of her heart to reflect an act so meaningful she wouldn’t fully understand the impact until the final curtain closed on the drama of salvation.

Our scripture verse this week is a small, yet, very significant snippet of that scene. It portrays her as a woman steeped in devotion who blesses Jesus with a very bold offering. It was an act of worship used to anoint Him days before his crucifixion and burial.

Although it doesn’t seem like she knew what her offering was meant for at the time, she went to great lengths to sacrifice and save a treasured commodity for a purpose beyond her comprehension. She unknowingly set a beautiful stage with grand preparation. You can read the full account for yourself in Matthew 26; Mark 14; and John 12.

Undeniably, Mary was well known for her devotion to Jesus. On more than one occasion she ignored the taboos of her society in her interaction and devotion to Him. This particular display of grandeur was extravagant, not to mention scandalous in the method of Mary’s delivery, and was not missed on those in attendance.

John 12:3 states that when Mary broke her alabaster box, “The house was filled with fragrant perfume.” It was an act intended to honor Him whom she loved. Verse 4 tells us that Judas, the money handler, not only reprimanded her with great condescendence, but he also set the stage to betray Jesus in the same breath. Yet, in direct opposition to Judas’ objection, Jesus’ countered with this, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

Although Jesus foreknew what the next act of this divine play would be, no one else at that dinner had any inclination. They were acting from their own reasonings and doing and saying things they did not fully understand, but the drama was set, and they were preparing the way nonetheless.

Mary prepared Jesus for his burial while Judas’ paved the way for His death.

Mary, driven by devotion. Judas by selfishness.

What a night, and what a dinner! The tension and emotion had to be palpable. Significant events often cause us to pause and evaluate life as we know it—getting married, having a baby, the death of a family member or beloved friend, and caring for aging parents. These situations compel us to consider our life, our time, and our relationships through different lenses.

That said, we don’t have to wait for a momentous life event to evaluate what kind of stage we need to set for the current phase of our lives. In fact, our minds are clearer, and our hearts are more open to wisdom without the emotional cloudiness caused by such life-altering episodes.

Truth is, we all set our stages—knowingly and unknowingly. We set external stages as well as internal ones. We cast our characters as hero’s and villains, simultaneously treating them according to their assumed roles. We set stages of protection around our hearts, and stages of pride in our heads. We set the stage for our social life. Our family life. Our professional life. Our church life. We stage life with our friends and even our neighbors.

We have this one life to live here on earth. It is our honor as Christians to work under the tutelage of Destiny as set directors for our lives. Although it may not feel like we have much control over what scene comes next, we do have creative control over our response to it.

Like our example this week of Mary and the alabaster box, we too can prepare and set a beautiful stage that honors God. One designed with precious sacrifice and scripted with a pen of unique loyalty. The key is to be proactive, not reactive. To plan with purpose the stage upon which you tread.

Reflect and Respond:

What is the next act in your play? What kind of stages are you setting? At home? At work? In your relationships? With God? Are you preparing and setting these stages with intention and thought? Are you casting characters that will walk alongside you in loyalty and love, faith and focus? People that will challenge you to be the best version of yourself so you can do that which God is calling you onward to do?

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed as you design a beautiful life stage.