Matthew 26:6-13
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As we begin to walk with Jesus toward the cross, read Matthew 26:6-13 imagining the sights, sounds and aromas described in this story.
Each of the four Gospel writers includes a story about a woman anointing Jesus, and there is much discussion about whether these were separate incidents. The accounts of Matthew and Mark are almost identical and describe an event that occurs in the home of Simon, a man who had been cured of leprosy. The accounts of Jesus’ anointing in Luke and John are most likely separate events, but rather than focus on the differences in Gospel stories, let’s focus in on the significance of Matthew’s narrative.
Matthew, who was one of Jesus’ twelve closest followers, paints a picture of the disciples throughout his Gospel that highlights their inability to comprehend what Jesus tells them about his death and resurrection. But this woman, who is unnamed in both Matthew’s and Mark’s accounts, seems to have heard and understood.
Her boldness in entering the house and approaching Jesus is secondary to her boldness in anointing him with perfumed oil. In the Older Testament, High Priests and later kings were anointed with oil to show that they had been chosen and set apart by God. By her actions, this woman takes on the God-given authority to declare to the disciples and all others present that God has set Jesus apart as prophet, priest and King, and she anoints him with perfume to prepare him for the sacrificial death that awaits him.
Take some time to think about this. Has God ever prompted you to take a bold step in an area where others might see you as inappropriate for the task? Talk with Jesus about this.
Read Matthew 26:6-13 again choosing the perspective of either Simon, one of the disciples, or the woman and imagining yourself there in the room as the events unfold.
The cost of the perfume may have been as much as a year’s wages, but to the woman nothing matters except Jesus and her service to him. And Jesus commends her for her singular focus. There will be a myriad of opportunities to serve Jesus by serving the poor, but this woman has poured out her love for Jesus in an act that will resonate throughout time.
Get quiet for a moment and let your thoughts settle. Picture Jesus physically present with you now wherever you are.
Is there anything of value that you would hesitate to give to him if God prompted you?
Return to silence for a moment and listen to Jesus.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do in response?
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