01/20/2023
The Alabaster Box
Luke 7:36-50 KJV
36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
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Six days before the feast of the Passover, Jesus was eating at the home of Simon the l***r, accompanied by the 12 disciples.
In most scripture the woman in this story was unnamed, save the Gospel of Luke, who named her Mary of Bethany. Quite possibly, this could have been the sister of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead. Lazarus was present when this story took place. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, was also present as a server that day at this particular house.
This woman brought her best, most precious gift that day. One pound of spikenard or nard as it is often called in an expensive alabaster box or bottle. In that time period, the box in which she brought would be worth about $45. That was equal to one years wages. In today's money, this would be worth at least $300-$400.
The box preserved the ointment, and it kept its aroma unspoiled until ready to be used. Once the neck of the bottle was broken, there was no turning back. The spikenard was a very fragrant oil/ointment, and more than likely filled the air of the room in which they were in.
Of course the disciples were scolding her, indeed accusing her of "wasting" something that belonged to her. She didn't come for the disciples, anyway. It was JESUS she needed to see. Through her obedience, she did the most beautiful thing for Jesus. The Bible does not record any words she may have spoken to Jesus, but it describes her as weeping, and washing & drying His feet with her hair.
That day this woman practiced humility, love, worship, honor, sacrifice & dignity towards Christ our Lord.
The breaking of the box was symbolic of Jesus doing the same for us on Calvary.
As the sweet smelling perfume was poured over His head, running down His face & beard, the disciples of course had a problem with this. Why can't we just sell the box and it's contents, and give the money to the poor?
Jesus defends her, and explains that the poor will be with them always, unlike He would be.
The woman, like the box itself, was broken. She was sinful, but because of her obedience & the good work she wrought in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, she was redeemed, and forgiven that day. Her faith had saved her.
There would be a memorial in her honor from year to year, by the Jewish people, as Christ urged them to do so.
In closing, we should ask ourselves, what is in our alabaster boxes? What gift or sacrifice, are we offering Jesus? What good work are we doing for the Lord?
He deserves us to bring Him our very best, just as Mary of Bethany did that very day!
Blessings in Christ,
Sherry💜
