What can we learn about honoring Jesus from the woman's actions in Matthew 26:13? Background: An Historic Moment in Bethany - Six days before Passover, Jesus reclines at table in the house of Simon the former leper (Matthew 26:6). - A woman—identified in John 12 as Mary of Bethany—enters carrying “an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume” (Matthew 26:7). - The Gospel writers record this as a literal, historical event recorded for the Church’s instruction (Romans 15:4). What the Woman Did - She “poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table” (Matthew 26:7). - John adds that she anointed His feet and wiped them with her hair (John 12:3). - The perfume, pure nard, was worth about a year’s wages (Mark 14:5). - Her act was intentional, public, and irreversible. Jesus’ Declaration: An Eternal Memorial “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13) - Jesus affirms her action as inseparably joined to the proclamation of the gospel. - He guarantees perpetual remembrance of her devotion—an astounding promise only the Son of God can make (Matthew 24:35). What We Learn About Honoring Jesus - Rich worship is willingly costly • David: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24) • Honoring Jesus means offering Him what is precious, not what is leftover. - Timeliness matters • “She has done a beautiful thing to Me… she did it to prepare Me for burial.” (Matthew 26:10-12) • Acts of honor seize the moment; delayed obedience can miss the window (John 9:4). - Understanding His sacrifice fuels devotion • Mary grasped that Jesus was facing death; her extravagant love flowed from that insight. • The closer we stay to the cross, the deeper our honor will be (1 Corinthians 2:2). - Public witness glorifies Christ • The gathering saw and heard; her story still leads others to exalt the Savior (John 12:11). • “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) - Jesus’ commendation outweighs human criticism • Disciples labeled her act “waste” (Matthew 26:8), yet Jesus called it “beautiful” (v10). • His approval is the only verdict that lasts (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). - Honor flows from love, not duty • Love compelled her to break the flask (John 12:3); true worship springs from grateful hearts (Luke 7:47). Living It Out - Offer Jesus the best of your time, talents, and resources—nothing held back (Romans 12:1). - Act promptly when the Spirit nudges you; today’s obedience honors Him before opportunities fade (Hebrews 3:13). - Keep the cross central; meditation on His sacrifice stirs wholehearted devotion (Galatians 6:14). - Worship Him openly; let your deeds point others to the Savior (Acts 1:8). - Seek His “Well done” above all; earthly opinions fade, but His commendation endures forever (Matthew 25:21). |
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