Matthew 26:6-13

Our text today records the anointing of Jesus at a town called Bethany about two miles from Jerusalem. In the week leading up to his crucifixion it would be his base of operations. While headquartering there he stayed at the home of Simon the Leper. Matthew tells us nothing more about Simon or of the relationship he had with Jesus. Suffice it to say that it must have been a comfortable place, perhaps even a familiar place for Jesus to retreat there. We also are not told what was happening at the home of Simon the Leper that day, but perhaps we can surmise that more than just the disciples of Jesus and the family of Simon were gathered there. It was common for people to gather whenever and wherever Jesus showed up. I imagine it was no different in this instance.

Into this gathering Matthew tells us there came a woman with an alabaster bottle of expensive perfume, which she poured on his head. Her action, which can be only described as extravagant, was met with indignant protests from his disciples. They protested that her action was a tremendous waste of expense that would have been better expended on the poor. Their protest might seem unreasonable but it was firmly in line with what they had learned from Jesus. One could argue that His teaching was one of simplicity, which would give legitimacy to their complaints.

“This is rooted, for instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, where we are told to live so simply and trustingly that we take no thought for tomorrow, for clothing or food or drink. [Her action] would be ruled out by the specific instructions given the disciples about their simplicity of life while journeying on their mission (Matthew 10:9-10: ‘Provide no gold, silver or copper to fill your purse, no pack for the road, no second coat, no shoes, no staff; the worker earns his keep’; see also Luke 10:4). Even more basically, the very pride that would ‘show off’ by extravagance is deflated by the instruction that the one who would be first in rank must be the servant of all (Matt. 19:30; Matt. 20:27; Mark 9:33-37), [and] that he who would be at the head of the table should plan to sit at the foot, that the Master can say ‘Come up’, and not risk the judgment of ‘Move down’ (Luke 14:7-11). And in accord with this sort of teaching, there is the whole example of the serious, purposeful life of Jesus, who cares for and teaches sharing with the poor and suffering. His example would seem to leave no room for extravagant gestures.” Yet Jesus tells His disciples to leave her alone because anointed Him to prepare Him for His burial. So do not suppose that what she did was extravagant because of the expense but because of her actions.

1. She did an honorable thing. Oil was poured on the head of those who traveled long distances to visit in someone’s home, it was used to salve the wounds of those who suffered, but it was also poured on the heads of kings. Here is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

2. She did an extravagant thing. She anointed Him not with some ordinary oil, but with expensive oil, the equivalent of a year’s wages.

3. She did an unexpected thing. It is said by some commentators that the oil she used was used to anoint the dead, but Jesus was alive. Could she have known what the disciples did not? What she did caught everyone but Jesus by surprise. It was unexpected, unusual, and maybe even impractical. Why should we confine ourselves with what is expected of us in worship?

4. She did a beautiful thing. Matthew and Mark do not tell us the identity of this woman, but John says that she is Mary, sister to Martha and Lazarus. What she did was a beautiful thing. The brought to her Lord the most precious thing she owned.

Consider the actions of the followers of Mohammed, the extent to which they have and will go to serve a false prophet. Many would rush into battle almost naked, cut their way through troops, and even expose themselves to death as suicide bombers. Consider the actions of other followers of false prophets and the extremes they have gone to serve and worship their supposed master. Then consider how weak and tepid the commitment and devotion of the followers of the only true and living God. When we consider what our Lord suffered for our redemption how could we offer him anything less than extravagant worship? Yes, we should care for the poor and the least among us. Yes, we should walk in humility not seeking for accolades and acclaim. What shall we do for the One who has sacrificed all for us? What can we do that is honorable, extravagant, unexpected and beautiful? What can we offer Him that demonstrates our gratitude for all He has done for us? This woman brought perfume so expensive that its value equaled a year’s wages. This woman braved the criticism and scorn of those who could not understand the depth of her devotion.

How deep is your love today? How deep is your devotion today? How much do you love Him today? How extravagant is your worship? Let us not be in a hurry to leave His presence, but let us seek to give Him more than our best because He deserves our worship. He deserves the best we can offer.

© All Rights Reserved 2014 – Dr. James H. Logan, Jr.