What the Woman with the Alabaster Jar Teaches Us
Matthew 26:6-13 is one of those stories that grabs me every time I read it. Here we find Jesus in Bethany, reclining at the table in Simon the Leper’s house. Out of nowhere, a woman shows up with an alabaster jar of perfume, breaks it, and pours it all over His head. This wasn’t just any perfume—this stuff was expensive. The disciples, ever practical, were immediately offended: “What a waste! We could’ve sold this and given the money to the poor!” But Jesus surprises them, as He often does, by calling her act “beautiful” and praising her for preparing His body for burial.
So what can we learn from this? Well, let’s dig into a few insights.
Extravagant love for Jesus is always noticed and honored by Him.
Sometimes we worry that what we do for Jesus might go unnoticed. But here’s the truth: even when others don’t understand or appreciate your devotion, Jesus sees it. The woman didn’t perform this act for applause; she did it out of love. And Jesus promises her that her story would be told wherever the gospel goes. That’s a pretty incredible legacy for what seemed like a wasteful gesture to some.
Worship often involves sacrifice, demonstrating our ultimate trust in Christ’s worth.
The alabaster jar wasn’t just expensive—it likely represented this woman’s entire savings or dowry. Breaking it was an all-in move, a declaration that Jesus was worth everything she had. When was the last time we worshipped with that kind of abandon? It’s not always about money; sometimes, it’s our time, energy, or even stepping out of our comfort zone.
True devotion sees beyond the present moment to eternal realities.
Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.” This wasn’t a dismissal of charity—it was a reminder that sometimes we need to pause and recognize the significance of a moment. This woman understood something the disciples didn’t: Jesus’ time on earth was almost over, and her act prepared Him for what was to come.
Sometimes, our acts of faith will be misunderstood, but they still glorify God.
The disciples’ reaction reminds me how easy it is to judge someone else’s worship. But Jesus flips their criticism on its head. This reminds us that our faith journey isn’t about pleasing others but glorifying God.
Answering the Questions
Are we willing to offer our most valuable resources in service to Christ?
This is a tough one, isn’t it? It’s easy to say yes in theory, but what happens when God asks for something precious? The woman with the alabaster jar shows us what it looks like to give without reservation. Luke 12:34 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Sacrificial giving, whether of time, money, or abilities, reflects our love and trust in God. I think of Hudson Taylor, the missionary to China, who said, “Christ is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.”
Do we recognize the eternal significance of devotion, even when others may not?
This woman didn’t wait for anyone’s approval before she acted. Her focus was on Jesus alone, which is a powerful reminder for us. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When we live with eternity in view, we stop worrying about others’ opinions and start asking, “What pleases Jesus?”
How can we balance acts of charity with moments of focused worship?
The disciples’ objection wasn’t entirely wrong—it’s always good to care for the poor. But their timing was off. Jesus reminds us that worship is central; it fuels our service. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha’s busyness in serving contrasts with Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet. Jesus affirmed Mary’s choice, saying she chose what was better. Worship centers us, reminding us why we serve in the first place.
A Story That Lingers
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Those who love Christ much, do much for Him.” That’s what this story is about. It’s not about the cost of the perfume or the criticism from others—it’s about loving Jesus extravagantly. The woman’s love left a legacy. What kind of legacy will our love for Christ leave?
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