Matthew 26 - 12.2.25
SCRIPTURE: 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,[a] 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.”
OBSERVATION
I can relate to the thought the disciples had towards the “waste” of the perfume. They had a good and practical idea with how the jar of perfume could be used to help the poor. In my financial brain, I would have come to the same conclusion as the disciples. The problem is they were only thinking in one dimension. You see, the woman who anointed Jesus was doing so to honor Jesus in preparation for his burial. She understood His teachings about what would happen to Him, taken them to heart, and wanted to provide a worthy honor for his burial.
The disciples are sure quick to judge and criticize the expensive use of the perfume. They are more concerned about how it could have been better used rather than understanding she was on a mission to honor and worship Jesus. The disciples had a completely different view based in the world’s ideals, but the woman was thinking more in the spiritual and what would be a perfect way to show her love for and worship to Jesus.
Although this scripture doesn’t mention the name of the “woman,” we can see the same story is told in John 12:1 – 7 and the woman is Mary (sister to Martha and Lazarus):
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.”
In doing some research on this scripture, the jar of perfume was valued at more than a “years wages.” In today’s value, the cost was possibly from $30,000 to over $50,000. The value speaks more of the sacrifice Mary made to honor Jesus. This jar might have been her life savings, possibly a dowry, or a special inheritance. No matter where the expensive perfume came from or the intended use in the future, she wanted to give her absolute best to honor and worship Jesus.
Mary loved Jesus very much. She followed and worshiped Jesus many times by being at his feet. In Luke 10:38 – 42 we see the famous story of Mary and Martha:
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Although the scriptures don’t specifically mention Jesus’ feelings about Mary, we can see that verse 13 shows Jesus valued her sacrifice and worship. Jesus honors Mary by saying “wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Interesting he says it will be in memory of her – not about Him, his coming death, burial and resurrection – but He wanted everyone to know, throughout time, that Mary’s act of love and worship would forever be remembered. I can’t think of any other time Jesus has done this for anyone else. Jesus found a way to honor and show his love for Mary.
APPLICATION
In reading this section of scripture, I began to think are there situations in my day-to-day life where I’m fulfilling practical service when I should be doing spiritual service? I’m sure there are practical situations when something should be done with a spiritual intent. The key is to be mindful of spiritual service to God before practical service. Think outside the normal box of life to serve God.
Mary’s sacrifice to Jesus was in giving her best and most valuable thing in life to Jesus. She didn’t use half the bottle or chose an everyday perfume. She chose the best she had. She knew nothing else in life meant more than giving her best to Jesus. Everything I do in life needs to reflect giving my best in service of my time, talents, and finances to the Lord.
Is analyzing what other people do in service or worship to God necessary? This scripture shows how judgmental and shortsighted the disciples were – and reflects what happens in life today way too often. If someone is serving God or in worship, that’s between them and God. It’s not up to me or anyone else to critique what they should or shouldn’t do in service or worship to God. Jesus knows our hearts and if we’re giving our best, that’s all that matters.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for this wonderful section of scripture that shows what true worship looks like, how we shouldn’t judge others in their worship, and to always give our best to you! Help me, Lord, to always have Mary’s heart and give you my best and most valuable in my time, service, worship, tithes and offerings. You deserve it all Jesus! Forgive me, Lord, where I’ve not given my best or where I have criticized others in their worship. Open my heart and mind to love you like Mary did - with all that she had. In His mighty name, Jesus. Amen
- Mary Oberg
