The Death and Resurrection of the KingSample

An act of love at the right moment

“Now when Jesus was at Bethany […] a woman came up to Him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at table.” (Matthew 26:6-7)

When Jesus was visiting a village near Jerusalem, something extraordinary happened. A woman poured expensive oil on Him. Not a few drops, but a whole jar! Others present considered that wasteful. But Jesus appreciated it as a valuable act of love at just the right time. “She has done a beautiful thing to me,” He said (Matthew 26:10).

Shortly thereafter, Jesus would die and be buried. According to Jewish custom, deceased people were washed and anointed. Thus, people paid their last respect. After Jesus' death, however, there would hardly be an opportunity for this. Jesus said the loving anointing of this woman was “to prepare me for burial” (Matthew 26:12). This was not a waste, but a fitting expression of thankfulness and love for the King of heaven and earth.

Among the stories of hateful chief priests and grumbling disciples, this story stands as a refreshing example for us.

The Lord Jesus so loved us humans that He gave His life for us. That was infinitely more precious than a bottle of expensive oil. Do you love Him too? How do you show it?