Matthew 26: 6-13
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. 9 ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’
Why is this story so important? Does this story become as important as the gospel itself if Jesus asks for it to be told wherever the gospel is preached? This story is an essential part of the story of Jesus. Is it just a story of long ago? Does it apply today? Is there a connection of what this woman did to what Jesus did? Is it relevant for me today? Her sacrifice illustrates a lesson about the sacrifice of Jesus. It shows me how I should respond to the gospel message. I should do what I do for Jesus out of love, not because anyone tells me to do it. This woman anointed Jesus out of love. Jesus died for me, a sinner, out of love. When I act, I should do it out of love. Her sacrifice was extravagant, meaningful, and costly. She wasn’t concerned for what she would get out of this act. She did it out of putting Jesus first, with tremendous devotion, an act of worship. When I help others, I am serving Christ first. Have I ever done anything extravagant for Jesus? Could I ever be so bold with love for Christ that other people might criticized me? How do I respond to him who gave his life for me?