This unnamed woman took probably one of the most expensive things she owns and pours it all on Jesus...not sparing a drop. The disciples gawk at this and call it wasteful and discuss how she could have sold it and helped the poor. Jesus corrects them and says that the woman did a beautiful thing and that she had prepared his body for burial and that her story will be told wherever the gospel is preached.
This passage makes me think that Jesus really does love when we give him our all. This woman lavishly poured the expensive perfume without thinking about just how much of it to pour. Jesus loved this.
I know there are times where I have seen the actions or read about the actions of a believer that really lived radically for God and I too have thought as the disciples that they didn't have to go that far, or that they were kind of excessive or impractical. This passage has helped me understand that there is no such thing as too much for God. The woman in the passage was driven by a heart full of thanksgiving and love for God. I pray that I too would love God lavishly and give Him my all.
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thanks for an excellent reflection, christine. somehow this woman's extravagant expression of love and gratitude ministered even to Jesus who states that "she did it to prepare Me for My burial". Jesus knew He would be crucified within days, and try as He might, He could not get His disciples to believe Him when He foretold His coming death. He must have felt very alone knowing what He would face, especially in light of the fact that the disciples refused to accept or believe it. yet this woman somehow knew and understood. she "anointed His body" beforehand, a gesture of love and affection that deeply moved Jesus and "prepared" Him in a sense for what would take place.
what a privilege this woman had! in the midst of fierce scorn and opposition, she humbly ministered to our Lord Jesus, and truly encouraged Him in His moment of need. it is no wonder that Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her". this blessed woman was rightfully granted a place of honor and remembrance in the gospels. that we are reading this passage and discussing it is proof of that fact.
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