What can we learn about honoring Jesus from Matthew 26:7? The Text Before Us “a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table.” (Matthew 26:7) What the Woman’s Action Teaches Us • Honoring Jesus calls for costly surrender. The perfume was “very expensive,” yet she held nothing back (cf. 2 Samuel 24:24; Romans 12:1). • Honor is personal and direct. She approached Jesus Himself, not merely His disciples or the crowd. Our worship must reach Him, not stop at ritual. • Honor is expressed openly. She anointed Him in a room full of onlookers (Mark 14:4–5). True devotion refuses to hide when criticism looms. • Honor is timely. Jesus said she prepared Him for burial (Matthew 26:12). Obedience today may serve purposes we cannot yet see (John 13:7). • Honor flows from love, not calculation. John identifies her as Mary, who had sat at Jesus’ feet (John 12:3). Grateful hearts overflow in generous acts. Jesus’ Response and Its Implications • He defended her: “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me” (Matthew 26:10). When we honor Jesus, He honors us (1 Samuel 2:30). • He linked her act to the gospel’s spread: “Wherever this gospel is preached… what she has done will also be told” (Matthew 26:13). Simple devotion becomes lasting testimony. • He received the anointing. Accepting worship affirms His divinity (compare Revelation 5:12). Giving Jesus first place aligns with heaven’s chorus. Practical Ways to Honor Jesus Today • Offer Him costly obedience—time, resources, reputation—without regret. • Display devotion publicly: speak His name, serve others in His honor. • Act promptly when the Spirit nudges; delayed worship may miss a divine moment. • Let love, not duty, motivate every sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Remember that Jesus notices and values even hidden offerings (Mark 12:41-44). Living the Lesson Follow the woman’s example: hold nothing back, pour everything out, and trust that Jesus will call it “beautiful.” |
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