Matthew records one of the final meals of Jesus’ earthly life:
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
Matthew 26:6-7
A woman we know as Mary of Bethany lavished Jesus with a gift. This gift was extravagant in more than one way:
It was extravagant in value: John’s Gospel tells us this the perfume was pure nard. This was a costly ingredient that came from India. Mark’s gospel tells us it was worth 300 denarii–imagine giving or receiving a gift that was worth a whole year’s salary. This likely the most valuable item Mary had ever owned.
It was extravagant in sacrifice: The flask was made of alabaster, a semi-transparent product from Egypt. This material, resembling marble, made the best containers for preserving fragrances. The jar/flask was sealed to prevent evaporation, then the neck of the container would be broken in order to apply the contents. Once used it would be completely spent, never to be reused again.
It was extravagant in amount: It wasn’t unusual to put a few drops of oil or fragrance on dinner guests in the ancient world. But this was a complete anointing. The contents of the container were emptied on the Lord. Matthew mentions his head; John mentions His feet (both accounts are true–note that Jesus mentions his “body” in verse 12).
Tragically, the disciples failed to see the beauty in this moment:
The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.”
Matthew 26:8-12
Jesus was not instructing them (or us) to neglect the poor. But He praised Mary for choosing that which was of supreme importance: He would not be with them much longer.
We don’t know exactly how much Mary understood about Jesus’ impending death. Clearly she knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bless Him.
We would do well to understand this truth about our spiritual lives: some opportunities, when not seized, are lost forever.
I have lost count of the number of times I’ve heard someone express regret that he did not commit to the Lord in his youth. Time and energy that could have gone to Kingdom work were wasted on that which is all too fleeting. God graciously gives us second chances, of course, but He does not replace wasted time. Mary understood this.
This story ends with an incredible promise:
I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.
Matthew 26:13
Jesus’ prediction came true: three of the four Gospels record Mary’s act. Kings and kingdoms have been forgotten over the course of two thousand years, but this beautiful gesture still speaks to all of us who have heard the gospel. No service to the King goes unnoticed!
Lord, I pray that I never miss another opportunity to bless You and build Your kingdom.
