How does Matthew 26:7 connect to other acts of devotion in Scripture? Revisiting Matthew 26:7 “a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, and poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table.” Costly Devotion Repeated in the Gospels • Luke 7:37-38 – A sinful woman “brought an alabaster jar of perfume… and began to wet His feet with her tears” before anointing them. • John 12:3 – Mary of Bethany “took about a pint of expensive perfume … and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair,” filling the house with fragrance. • Mark 14:3 – Parallel account of the same Bethany event, underscoring its importance. • Common thread: an open, public pouring-out of something precious to honor Christ. Old Testament Echoes of Sacred Anointing • Exodus 29:7 – Moses anoints Aaron’s head with oil, setting him apart for priestly service. • 1 Samuel 16:13 – “Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.” • Psalm 23:5 – “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” • These earlier anointings prepare the way for Jesus as the ultimate Priest-King, receiving honor before His sacrificial death (Matthew 26:12). Sacrificial Giving and Extravagant Worship • 2 Samuel 24:24 – David refuses to offer to the LORD “burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • Mark 12:41-44 – The widow’s two small coins are praised above larger gifts because they represent her all. • Exodus 35:21 – Israelites “whose hearts moved them” bring costly materials for the tabernacle. • Each scene highlights worship measured not by amount but by heartfelt sacrifice, mirrored in the woman’s perfume worth a laborer’s yearly wage. Falling at Jesus’ Feet: Intimate Acts of Honor • Luke 10:39 – Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His word.” • Luke 17:16 – The healed Samaritan leper “fell facedown at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him.” • Acts 22:3 – Paul speaks of having been “educated at the feet of Gamaliel,” picturing humble submission—ultimately fulfilled as believers sit at Christ’s feet. Gifts Acknowledging Messiah’s Identity • Matthew 2:11 – Magi offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh, prophetic gifts that prefigure Jesus’ kingship, deity, and burial. • John 19:39 – Nicodemus brings about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes to honor Jesus’ body. • The Bethany anointing of Matthew 26:7 likewise points to Jesus’ impending burial and proves that true worship recognizes who He is. Fragrance That Fills More Than a Room • 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 – Believers are “the fragrance of Christ” spreading His knowledge everywhere. • Songs 1:3 – “Your oils have a pleasing fragrance; Your name is like purified oil.” • The literal aroma in Matthew 26 becomes a picture of the spiritual aroma believers carry when they pour out lives of devotion. Unified Themes of Devotion • Costly surrender—offering what cannot be regained. • Physical expression—worship engaging the whole person. • Recognition of Christ’s worth—responses anchored in who He is. • Foreshadowing of sacrifice—each anointing or offering points to the cross. • Lasting impact—acts of devotion remembered “wherever this gospel is preached” (Matthew 26:13). Key Takeaways for Our Walk • Give Him the best, not the leftovers. • Let worship be visible and tangible, unhindered by public opinion. • Remember that devotion today proclaims the gospel tomorrow. |
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