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"And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, 'Why this waste?'" — Matthew 26:6–8 (NKJV)
In this powerful and tender moment captured in the Gospel of Matthew, we witness an act of deep devotion, lavish worship, and misunderstood love. The unnamed woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil offers us a glimpse into the kind of worship that pleases the heart of God. Her story, nestled in the narrative of Jesus’ journey to the cross, is a model of sacrificial love and faith. Let us explore five powerful truths from this passage.
1. Lavish Love Often Looks Like Waste to the World
"But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, 'Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.'" — Matthew 26:8–9 (NKJV)
The disciples, particularly Judas (see John 12:4–6), were quick to criticize what they perceived as an extravagant and impractical act. To them, pouring out such expensive oil was foolish. But Jesus saw the heart behind it. He understood that this act of worship was not wasteful, but beautiful.
True love for Jesus is never concerned with appearances or practicality. It gives without reservation. It worships without limits. And often, it will be misunderstood by those who measure value by the world’s standards.
This moment reminds us that God values what man overlooks. The woman gave not just her oil—she gave her heart. And what she poured out on Jesus was not wasted; it was eternally remembered.
"The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray." — Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV)
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." — Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
2. Jesus Defends True Worship
"But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, 'Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.'" — Matthew 26:10 (NKJV)
Jesus immediately silences the criticism of the woman. While others judged and misunderstood her, He honored her act as a good work. In a world quick to judge and dismiss, Jesus becomes her advocate.
This reveals something beautiful about our Savior: He not only receives our worship, He protects it. When we pour ourselves out for Him, even if others mock or question our devotion, Jesus sees the truth and defends our offering.
The Psalms echo this theme:
"In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul." — Psalm 138:3 (NKJV)
"The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit." — Psalm 34:18 (NKJV)
Jesus honors the worshiper. He doesn't overlook acts of love, especially when they come from a heart of surrender.
3. Worship Prepares the Way for Redemption
"For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial." — Matthew 26:12 (NKJV)
This woman unknowingly stepped into a prophetic act. Her anointing of Jesus’ body was a preparation for His burial—something even His closest disciples had not grasped. Through her sensitivity to the Spirit and her boldness in love, she participated in God's redemptive plan.
Her story reminds us that our worship, especially in seasons of sorrow or uncertainty, may be preparing the way for something greater than we understand.
True worship opens the door to transformation. It invites God to work through us. And sometimes, it aligns us with God’s bigger picture in ways we cannot yet see.
"Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." — Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." — Romans 5:3–4 (NKJV)
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." — James 1:2–3 (NKJV)
4. A Legacy of Love: Worship That Lives On
"Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." — Matthew 26:13 (NKJV)
Jesus forever ties her worship to the Gospel message. What seemed like a moment of personal devotion became a global testimony. Her story would be told alongside His. Her offering was woven into the narrative of redemption.
Her worship created a memorial. Not a statue or inscription, but a living testimony of what it means to truly love Jesus.
"The memory of the righteous is blessed." — Proverbs 10:7 (NKJV)
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." — Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)
No act of faith is forgotten in heaven. When we give Jesus our best, He remembers. When we pour out our love, He marks it as a moment worth retelling.
"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy." — Psalm 126:5 (NKJV)
5. A Personal Invitation: Will You Pour It All Out for Jesus?
The alabaster jar the woman brought was likely her most treasured possession. Breaking it open meant giving everything. There would be no retrieving or reserving. It was total surrender.
We are each invited into that kind of worship. Jesus doesn’t ask for our leftovers. He asks for our hearts. The real question is:
What is your alabaster flask?
Is it your time, your comfort, your resources, your plans? Will you pour it out at His feet, trusting that nothing given to Jesus is ever wasted?
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." — Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
"God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name..." — Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV)
Worship isn’t always public. Sometimes it's quiet. Sometimes it's painful. Sometimes it's misunderstood. But Jesus sees it all. And He calls it beautiful.
Final Thought: A Life Poured Out
The woman with the alabaster flask teaches us that true worship is costly. It’s not always understood, and it may go unnoticed by others—but never by Jesus. Her story reminds us that what we pour out in love is never wasted in the Kingdom of God.
Every moment you choose Jesus over comfort, every prayer whispered in secret, every act of kindness offered in His name—it all matters. God sees it. He treasures it.
This passage calls us to a deeper kind of discipleship: one marked by extravagant love, courageous faith, and wholehearted surrender. As you reflect on her example, consider what offering you might bring to Jesus today.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
Let your life be your alabaster jar—broken and poured out in love for the One who gave everything for you.
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