The women who anointed Jesus
Today we turn our attention to a series of profound and moving accounts in the Gospels, where women, driven by deep love and spiritual insight, anointed Jesus. These acts of devotion, though sometimes misunderstood or criticized, were deeply significant and continue to speak to our hearts about the nature of true worship and the value God places on sincere affection. Let us reflect on the lessons we glean from these remarkable women.
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1. The Anointing as an Expression of Love and Devotion (John 12:3)
"Then Mary took about a pint 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." John's account in chapter 12 highlights Mary of Bethany's extravagant act of anointing Jesus' feet with costly perfume. This was not a mere gesture but a profound expression of her deep love, gratitude, and devotion to the Lord. The value of the perfume underscores the preciousness she placed on Jesus.
2. The Value of Personal Sacrifice (Mark 14:3)
"While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head." Mark's narrative emphasizes the personal sacrifice involved in this act. The perfume was "very expensive," representing a significant personal treasure. The woman's willingness to break the jar and pour it all out speaks to a heart that held nothing back in its devotion to Jesus.
3. Spiritual Discernment and Sensitivity to God’s Timing (Matthew 26:12)
"When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial." Matthew's Gospel reveals Jesus' interpretation of the anointing. While the disciples did not fully grasp the imminence of His death, this woman, through a Spirit-led sensitivity, discerned the significance of the moment. Her action was a prophetic anointing, preparing Jesus for His impending burial. This teaches us the importance of seeking spiritual discernment and being attuned to God's timing.
4. Faith that Breaks Religious and Social Barriers (Luke 7:37)
"When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume." Luke introduces us to a woman known for her sinfulness, who dared to break social and religious barriers to approach Jesus. Her act of bringing the alabaster jar and weeping at His feet, anointing them with perfume and wiping them with her hair, was an extraordinary display of repentance and faith, overcoming judgment and prejudice.
5. The Criticism of Men Versus the Praise of Jesus (Mark 14:4-6)
"Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me." The contrast between the critical reaction of some of the men and Jesus' gracious defense is striking. While they focused on the perceived waste, Jesus saw the heart and the intention behind the gesture, recognizing it as a "beautiful thing" done for Him. This reminds us that God values the heart and motive behind our acts of worship.
6. Forgiveness That Transforms Lives (Luke 7:47)
"Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” The woman in Luke's account, through her tearful repentance and act of anointing, demonstrated the depth of her love, which Jesus connected to the forgiveness she had received. Her story represents all who acknowledge their sinfulness and receive Christ’s transforming forgiveness, leading to a profound and expressive love for Him.
7. A Legacy That Surpasses Generations (Matthew 26:13)
"Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Jesus' powerful promise ensures that the devotion of the woman who anointed His head would be remembered for generations to come. This highlights the eternal value of sincere worship and the lasting impact of acts of love for Christ. Her legacy continues to inspire and challenge believers across time.
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Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us be inspired by the examples of these women who anointed Jesus. May their love, sacrifice, discernment, faith, and the profound impact of their actions stir our own hearts to a deeper devotion and a more expressive worship of our Lord. May we learn to see with spiritual eyes, to give sacrificially, to discern God's timing, to overcome barriers in faith, to value the heart over outward appearances, to embrace the transformative power of forgiveness, and to live in such a way that our love for Jesus leaves a lasting legacy. Amen.
