Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:1-16
Historical Context
This passage is situated between the final teachings of Jesus, found in Matthew 24-25 and just before the last Passover meal He would celebrate before His crucifixion. It features the story of a woman who anointed Jesus with expensive ointment. While this practice may seem unusual or even uncomfortable to us in 2025, it carries significant historical meaning. When a person passed away, perfumes and spices were often applied to their body as an act of love and respect. Additionally, anointing with oil was a symbolic act of consecration, marking a person as holy, set apart for a special purpose, and dedicated to the Lord. This act of anointing was also commonly used in the appointment of kings, signifying God’s chosen leader. A vivid example of this is found in the story of Samuel anointing David as the King of Israel.
Devotional Reflection
In Matthew’s account, Jesus is at the home of Simon the Leper. While we do not have specific details about Simon, it’s plausible that he was someone whom Jesus had healed, with the nickname “Simon the Leper” lingering even after his miraculous recovery. Though Jesus had been telling His disciples about His forthcoming crucifixion, they likely found it hard to accept and were in denial about the suffering He would endure—betrayal, mockery, beating, and death. However, a woman with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume enters Simon’s home and anoints Jesus’ head. She seemed to understand, in a profound way, that Jesus’ death was imminent and acted to prepare His body for burial. This act was not only a preparation for His physical death but also an acknowledgment of His divine identity as the Son of God and King.
The disciples, upon witnessing the woman’s actions, reacted with indignation. They believed that the perfume could have been sold and the proceeds used to help the poor. Despite their years of following Jesus, they failed to grasp the deeper significance of the moment. In John 12:1-8 in the same account, Judas was the first to note the expensive “waste” – for he was keeping some of the profits for himself. Jesus, however, commended the woman, stating that her sacrificial act would be remembered throughout the ages. This is the only instance in Scripture where Jesus so powerfully affirms someone’s actions, highlighting the beauty and significance of her devotion.
Personal Application
Unless we have actively researched our genealogy, most of us know little about our great-grandparents or earlier generations. I hope that my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and future generations will know something about me or hear stories of my life. However, the reality is that without effort, they may never learn about who I was. That said, there is an exception to this—our spiritual legacy. God has entrusted us with our lives to be lived for Him, and every prayer, action, conversation, and moment spent pursuing Christ creates a lasting impact. Our devotion to Him will leave a mark on future spiritual generations, far beyond what we can see or understand. This Easter, I pray for a renewal of our commitment to wholeheartedly living for Jesus and passing on a legacy of faith. Just as the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume left a lasting legacy of faith through her sacrificial act of devotion, so too can our lives, marked by devotion to Christ, create a legacy that impacts future generations for His glory.
Psalm 78.4 (NIV) “We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and his wonderful works that He has done.”
Prayer
Jesus, my prayer is for complete surrender to you. Help me to follow You in complete surrender of my time, energy, resources and influence to Your purposes and Your glory.
Going Deeper: What is God calling you to that will cause you to sacrifice in ways that may be costly and uncomfortable?
