The woman with the Alabaster Jar Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9
Today, we are going to contemplate one of the most beautiful and moving stories in the Gospels: the anointing of Jesus by a devout woman. In the account we find in Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9, we see a woman who performed an act of devotion so profound and sincere that it was criticized by some, but defended and praised by Jesus Himself.
Her action was not merely a good deed; it was a powerful act of worship that leaves us with valuable lessons about what genuine devotion, total surrender, and the true value of our works before God really mean.
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I. Jesus Is in Bethany (Matthew 26:6)
Our story begins in a place with a significant name.
A. Bethany, which means “House of Misery,” was a humble place, but it was there that Jesus received one of the greatest expressions of love and surrender. Jesus was in the home of Simón the leper. It is highly probable that Simón had been healed by Jesus, so he was hosting Him in gratitude. We know from the account in John 12:2 that Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, whom Jesus loved dearly, were also present.
B. Mary approaches with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume (Matthew 26:7). The perfume was made of pure nard, and as we learn in Mark 14:5, it was worth more than 300 days' wages—a year's salary! This was a precious possession, likely an inheritance, a security for the future.
• The surrender of Mary did not calculate the cost, because she understood the incalculable value of the person of Christ. She did not see the flask, but the Savior. Her focus was not on the monetary value of the perfume, but on the immeasurable worth of the One she was anointing.
Application: We must ask ourselves: What value do we place on Christ? Are we willing to give our lives, our most precious possessions, our time, our talents for Him? Jesus said in Luke 14:26 that we must be willing to give up everything. And Paul said in Acts 20:24: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
II. The Criticism (Matthew 26:8)
As soon as Mary's act of devotion occurred, criticism arose.
A. Some disciples, including Judas (John 12:4-5), saw Mary's act as a waste. "But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, 'Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.'" They saw a monetary value, a missed opportunity for charity, and a foolish, extravagant act.
• This attitude reveals a heart that does not truly appreciate the value of the Savior nor recognize the sincerity of a devoted worshiper. They were so focused on the earthly that they missed the eternal.
B. Just as the Pharisees criticized Jesus for doing good (Matthew 12:9-14), many today also belittle the good works of others. They are quick to point out flaws and find fault, rather than seeing the heart and the genuine desire to serve God.
Application: Let us reflect: Are we people who build up or who tear down with criticism? The Bible exhorts us not to grumble or murmur, but to praise good actions (Philippians 2:14: "Do all things without grumbling or questioning."). Let us be like Jesus, ready to defend and affirm true devotion, not criticize it.
III. The Excuses (Matthew 26:9)
The critics' argument was a deceptive one, cloaked in piety.
A. They used a pious excuse: "This could have been sold and given to the poor." But John reveals the truth: Judas said this because he was a thief (John 12:6). Judas's concern was not for the poor, but for his own pocket. He saw the money, not the act of worship.
• We, too, often use excuses to mask our own lack of compassion and zeal for the things of God. We may say we are too busy, too poor, or too tired to serve, when in reality, our hearts are simply not committed.
• The critics claimed to care for the needy, but in reality, they did not. Contrast their attitude with Jesus’s in Mark 6:34-36, where He had compassion on the hungry crowd and fed them.
B. Jesus rejects the hypocrisy and honors the sincere act of this woman (Matthew 26:11). He said to them, "For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." This was not a dismissal of the poor, but a powerful statement of priority. This was a unique moment of intimate worship, and He wanted them to appreciate its profound significance.
Application: Let us not make excuses for not serving or for criticizing those who do. We will always have opportunities to do good and to serve the poor. As Jesus said, when we do it to the least of these, we do it to Him (Matthew 25:34-40).
IV. Our Works Will Speak of Us (Matthew 26:13)
Jesus' final word on the matter is a breathtaking promise and a powerful lesson for us all.
A. Jesus declares that the work of this woman would be remembered in every place where the Gospel is preached. "Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." What an incredible promise! This woman's act of humility and worship became a timeless sermon on genuine devotion.
• Our works, both good and bad, will also speak of us. They are a testimony to our faith, or to our lack of it.
B. How do you want to be remembered? For your faithfulness to the Lord or for your indifference?
• The woman's act of pouring out the expensive perfume, which could have been a forgotten moment, became a lasting legacy because Jesus noticed it.
Application: Let us not stop doing good, even when no one notices or when others criticize us. God sees it and will reward it. As Ephesians 2:10 says: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." We are called to be diligent in good works, not for human praise, but for God's glory (Titus 2:14; 3:8; Philippians 4:17).
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Conclusion
This woman did not hold back anything to honor her Lord. She gave her most precious possession, not to get attention, but to anoint the one she loved.
Let us ask ourselves: Are we holding anything back? Our time, our talents, our resources, our entire heart?
God does not look at the price of the perfume, but at the intention of the heart. May our lives be a beautiful, fragrant perfume poured out at the feet of Jesus, without reservations and without fear of criticism.
