A women came with a alabaster box of Spikenard ointment and poured in onto Jesus's head. This oil is from a very rare plant and is blended with olive oil for anointing, dedication, consecration and worship. It was mentioned several times in the old testament for use in the temples. To anoint a guests head with oil was to do him an honor, To anoint the feet was to unusual but a show of respect. To use spikenard oil for this purpose was something even kings would envy.
The others in the room felt it was a waste of ointment and money, as it was very expensive, and could be used to help the poor, The cost of this oil was equivalent to an agricultural laborers wage for an entire year.
And Jesus said to leave the women alone, as she had done good. There would always be poor people to help, but there would not always be himself on the earth. She had come to anoint his body for burial beforehand. The Lord will accept our acts of sincere devotion even if others do not understand, Did she understand his death was coming? or was this an act of spiritual inspiration? Where was the oil obtained from?
She would always be remembered for what she had done.
Scriptures Used
Matthew 26:7-13
Mark 14:3-9
What I Learned
I did some research to understand the purpose of the anointing and to gain some insight as to why she might do this. I've come to a greater respect and realize as to how much she must of loved Jesus. This oil was a years wages for a man. How did she obtain it? What sacrifices did she go through to to obtain enough to anoint him.
Picture From
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/187500/187541/187541_anointing-of-jesus-by-a-woman-at_md.gif
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