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 and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” [Matthew 26.6-13]

What was the big deal about the woman anointing Jesus with the expensive perfume?

Here is another question that will perhaps answer the question above: Why did Jesus not say to the people who spread garments and palm branches declaring, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!" would be remembered for their actions?

The answer is simple: the woman who anointed Jesus for burial understood. She got it. In contrast, the people who were all "praise God" were only acting out of temporal emotion - in fact, many of the praise-ers were likely the same crowd who cried, "crucify Him" later... The woman's actions were noted for posterity by Jesus because of her understanding of Him as Messiah was correct.

The woman who anointed Jesus with burial spices and perfume understood that Jesus' entire purpose for coming to earth was to die for the people. She understood when Jesus said:

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [Matthew 20.28]

We would all do well to consider what we understand about Jesus. Furthermore, we would all do well to consider what then our lives "in Christ" look like!

Father, help us all to take another look at Jesus today. Help us to see Him on mission to die for the benefit of the world and then to rise again securing ultimate victory for all who believe.