How does the woman's act in Matthew 26:7 demonstrate sacrificial worship to Jesus? Scripture Focus “ 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) Setting the Moment • Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper • Passover week—the shadow of the cross looms large • Guests recline; conversation hums; a woman steps forward and breaks social protocol for the sake of worship The Lavishness of the Gift • Alabaster jar: costly stone container, itself of value • “Very expensive perfume” (pure nard, John 12:3)—estimated at 300 denarii, about a laborer’s annual wage • Nothing held back: the jar is broken (Mark 14:3), signaling total release of contents—no saving some for later Sacrifice That Mirrors Old Testament Worship • David: “I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24) • Law of offerings: best of the flock, unblemished (Leviticus 22:20–21) • The woman embodies this principle—offering the best, not leftovers Costly Devotion vs. Calculated Thrift • Disciples criticize: “Why this waste?” (Matthew 26:8) • Jesus commends: “She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” (Matthew 26:10) • True worship values Christ above material calculations; spiritual economy transcends earthly balance sheets Prophetic Anointing • Jesus: “When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial.” (Matthew 26:12) • Sacrificial worship embraces the mission of the cross before resurrection glory is visible • The fragrance fills the house (John 12:3), foreshadowing the gospel’s reach Heart Posture of Extravagant Worship • Humility: pours on His head and, per John 12:3, wipes His feet with her hair—lowest servant task • Gratitude: likely Mary of Bethany, whose brother Lazarus was raised (John 11). Grace received fuels grace offered • Single-minded focus: ignores criticism, eyes fixed on Jesus alone Outcomes of Sacrificial Worship • Commendation from Christ: “Wherever this gospel is preached… what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13) • Contrast to Judas (Matthew 26:14–16): worship or betrayal—no neutral ground • Aroma endures: Paul later speaks of believers as “the fragrance of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:15) Living the Lesson • Hold nothing back; offer resources, reputation, and time for His honor • Choose wholehearted devotion over socially acceptable restraint • Let gratitude for salvation fuel tangible acts of costly love • Trust that nothing poured out for Jesus is wasted—He remembers and redeems every sacrifice |
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