Alabaster Humiliation
Matthew 26:7-8: “A woman came to Him (Jesus) with an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?”
Mary gathered her courage and came to Jesus, broken hearted. Not only did she crave spiritual healing, she longed to honor her Savior. The powerful religious leaders pressured Him relentlessly and her heart ached for Jesus. She desperately wanted to be near. So, carefully she chose the most precious gift she had: an exquisite alabaster jar filled with beautiful, fragrant oil.
It was an unconventional gift, but her heart called her to offer it. Taking a deep breath, she entered Simon’s house and approached her Lord, reclining at the table with his followers. She pulled out her gift and tenderly began to anoint Jesus with her oil. The expressions on the disciples’ faces changed. She struggled to understand and wondered, “What have I done?”
She soon became distracted by the disciples’ whispers of criticism over her wastefulness. Was her gift too extravagant, she wondered? Perhaps she should have sold it and given the money to the poor as they suggested, but that thought never crossed her mind, for her only desire was to love and honor.
The intensity of their words increased and their chatter took a harsh turn, calling her a sinner. She could not deny this for she knew her reputation was tainted. She knelt beside Jesus as tears streamed down her face. Humiliation stung her as the disciples fired one complaint after another, as though she wasn’t even in the room.
“Don’t they know I can hear them?” she thought.
The harsher their criticism, the more she was convinced they were right. Suddenly, she felt so unworthy and ashamed. Her heart was broken. If only she hadn’t come!
Through her tears, she looked up from the alabaster jar and into the Savior’s face. “Will He humiliate me, too?” she wondered. She couldn’t bear it if He did. She held her breath and waited, eyes fixed on Him. Finally, the Savior spoke, but not to her. He directed is words to his disciples.
“Why do you trouble this woman? For she has done a good work for me.”
Had she heard Him correctly? Did He say her gift was good? Sweet relief flooded her veins. Jesus was coming to her defense! There was no rebuke for her, but for his followers.
She reached up to dry her tears with the grateful realization that her Savior had looked beneath the surface of her actions to cherish the intentions of her heart – a generous and loving heart that longed to bring Him honor.
Thank you, Father, for seeing the intentions of our hearts. Give us the heart of this dear woman who served generously and with unfailing love. Help us to do your will, regardless of criticisms. May we ever stay mindful of the pain and discouragement our words can inflict upon others.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane