Jesus Speaks to Women: 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, 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.”  Matthew 26: 6-13

There is so much beauty in this passage, I don't even know where to start!  In this portion of Scripture, Jesus is not recorded directly talking to the woman with the alabaster jar...but I believe, due to His actions and words to his disciples about the woman, Jesus showed how deeply He cared for her and how much He appreciated her sacrifice.

We will see this same story in the gospel of John with greater detail.  However, let's just take in what Matthew is telling us for now.  First, the house was full...full of people, but also full of the Spirit.  I mean, Jesus was there!  And so was Simon, who probably was an ex-leper since if he were still a leper, he would not be at a house with guests!  He would be an outcast.  So, Simon must have been a man healed by Jesus and, therefore, full of the Spirit of gratitude.  His house was probably full of people who were rejoicing with him for his healing and who wanted to take a peek and see if Simon was really healed, and also to see if they could reach Jesus.  And in that environment of excitement and joy, in comes this woman carrying an alabaster jar full of "very expensive perfume." 

Commentaries agree on the fact that, the jar was probably the woman's dowry.  That was the most valuable thing she had in her possession.  Without it, her chances of ever getting married were close to none.  Nobody worth having would marry her if she didn't have anything of value to offer.  She didn't care...it was all the same to her, for she was already full of the presence of Her Lord.  Nothing on this earth compared to the One Who was reclining at that table...

Sigh...

I  want to imagine myself as one of the people in the house and watch the scene...and just take it all in...silently...I want to witness this woman's act of faith and love.  I want to be her...sigh...to be that full of the Holy Spirit...to be THAT aware of His presence...to be that focused on what really matters...to be that willing to worship regardless the cost.

Can you see it?  Amidst the noise and commotion, some guests wanting to eat, some others wanting to get a drink, and many pushing and shoving, trying to get closer to where Jesus was reclining...and then, in comes this woman, quietly...unnoticed...humbly approaching the Lord, and without saying a word, breaking open her precious treasure only to bring glory to the One who is worthy of all that we have...of all that we are...

Today, I just want to stand here and watch her do it...I just want to stand here and be filled with the aroma of that most expensive perfume...and worship Him...Praise be the Lord!