While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 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.  When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.  “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”  Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.  When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 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.

It seems as though every year during Lent I am amazed by this little event that has such a huge meaning!  The hour is drawing near when Jesus will be hanging on the Cross, atoning for the sins of all who will believe.   That will change everything!  Sinners will be forgiven; the Holy Spirit will have full access into the hearts and lives of those in whom Jesus lives.  These are momentous times!

Where is Jesus as the event approaches?  He is in the home of Simon the Leper outside Jerusalem.  Note – not in the hall of the High Priest but in the home of Simon, a person who, aside from Jesus’ healing, would be an outcast.  Perhaps in the minds of many, he is still one!

All eyes in heaven focused on this woman, kneeling before Jesus, pouring expensive perfume on Jesus, used only for anointing the dead.  To the disciples, this was a waste, pure and simple.  You know the story – Jesus received the anointing there in Simon’s house, ointment that is applied at death,  We have no idea what the woman was thinking, except that she was determined to give Jesus the costliest thing she had, oil kept for her own death.  It was an act of abandonment in worship!

We should not be surprised if we find ourselves overcome with thanksgiving and praise as we think about and even preach about this selfless devotion of this dear woman.

The woman did this in memory of Jesus, Jesus received it in memory of her!  Lord, receive my thanks for your unfailing grace and mercy today.