The Woman with an Alabaster Jar of Perfume
11 Jun 2022Little Devotionals (Ann)
“Women of the Bible” series by Ann Little
There are four passages in the Bible that record a woman anointing Jesus’ head with perfume. The three in Matthew 26, Mark 14 and John 12 are all very similar. John clearly says that this is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. However, in Luke 7:36-50 we read about a mysterious, nameless “immoral” woman, who became a lesson to the religious leaders on forgiveness and love.
There are four passages in the Bible that record a woman anointing Jesus’ head with perfume. The three in Matthew 26, Mark 14 and John 12 are all very similar. John clearly says that this is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. However, in Luke 7:36-50 we read about a mysterious, nameless “immoral” woman, who became a lesson to the religious leaders on forgiveness and love.
***** (continued)
This woman was most likely a prostitute. And as Jesus said, “Her sins were many.” Consequently she was treated with distain by the “righteous” Pharisee, Simon, who was hosting the dinner. Apparently she knew who Jesus was, sought forgiveness and desired to show her love and devotion to him.
As was the custom of the day, Jesus and the guests reclined with their head near the table and their body stretched away from the table, so it would be easy for a woman to enter the room from outside, easily wash and anoint Jesus’ feet with perfumed oil. Alabaster is a kind of rock or gypsum that can be carved and the jar was probably a container with a long neck which was broken off when the contents were poured out.
After watching this woman washing Jesus feet with her tears, Simon the Pharisee had a conversation with himself expressing his disapproval, “If Jesus were a prophet he would know who this woman was.” Jesus quickly dismissed Simon’s thoughts. Jesus was a prophet because he could read Simon’s thoughts. And yes, he knew who this woman was.
Then Jesus proceeded to tell a little story to Simon: two men owed money. One was a small amount, one was a very large amount. Both had their debt forgiven. Which man loved the most?
The contrast between Simon and the woman is clear. “Righteous Simon” did not think he needed forgiveness and did not love Jesus. He had neglected the common courtesies due a guest in his home: water to wash his feet, oil for his head and a kiss in greeting. The woman went beyond these, using her tears, her hair and expensive perfume. Jesus said “she has shown me much love.”
Unfortunately, I find it easier to identify more with the “self-righteous Simon” than the immoral woman. Unaware of his need for forgiveness, he was unable to love Jesus and understand who he truly was. After expressing her love for Jesus, the woman left with his reassuring words, “your sins are forgiven” and “your faith has saved you, go in peace.”Which character do you identify with?
Do we really fully understand our need for forgiveness and what Jesus has done for us? How can we show more love to our Lord?