She Got It

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. [Mark 14.3]

It is often told, this story about this woman anointing Jesus' head with expensive perfume. But how much thought is actually given to what this was like for the woman?

We have no record of any real dialog between Jesus and this woman - John says is was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Furthermore, John's account describes the woman (Mary) as anointing Jesus' feet specifically and then wiping them with her hair.

How much insight into the Kingdom of God did this woman have to anoint Jesus for burial? How much spiritual obedience did it require to do this deed? How much resolve did it require to make such a financial commitment (yes, this story is very much about financial commitment and the Kingdom of God!). How could the woman be sure she was doing the right thing? How humbling was it to give up this expensive perfume and then use her hair to wipe it up (keep in mind, a woman's hair has always been closely tied to her own pride)?

There is also the "beautiful" alabaster jar containing the perfume that was broken.

Everything about this story implies that the One being anointed was Supremely important and this woman 'got it.' She really understood. 

How must if have felt for this woman after Jesus' crucifixion? It is highly likely in this un-advanced time of personal hygiene, that this woman could still smell the fragrance of this perfume in her own hair as she gazed upon Jesus on the Cross. What kind of fulfillment (albeit conflicted) did that bring to know she had been so accurately obedient to the Spirit as she watched Jesus fatally tortured?

Jesus Himself, at the time of the anointing, said this woman's deed would always be remembered. It certainly is worth remembering too! It is an example to us of faith and humility followed by indescribable spiritual fulfillment. Amazing.

Father, I am so grateful for this story being preserved through the ages. As simple an account as it is, it forever remains a lesson of highest importance as well as an unparalleled inspiration to anyone desiring to follow Christ.