“A Memorial For A Sacrificial Woman”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

 

Toward the end of Christ’s life, a woman poured expensive ointment on Him (Matt. 26:7). From John, we learn that Mary, Lazarus’ sister, anointed Him (Jn. 12:3). As the ointment was poured on Christ, some disapproved of her actions. John identifies Judas as one of those who took issue with her, complaining the oil could have been “sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor” (Jn. 12:5).

            Judas only did this because he had the “bag” and was a thief (Jn. 12:6). He called anointing Jesus a “waste” (Matt. 26:8). Jesus corrected the naysayers by saying that this was done in preparation for His coming burial (Matt. 26:12; Jn. 12:7). In a room full of people who still did not comprehend that Christ would die soon, it no doubt shocked them to hear Jesus say she was doing something in preparation for His burial.

            Christ said, “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matt. 26:13). In obedience to Christ’s command, let us memorialize this generous lady. What does the pouring of this oil on Christ teach us?

 

This Was An Act Of Faith.

            Remember, Jesus said this was done “to prepare me for burial” (Matt. 26:12, ESV). She acted in faith for what was to come soon. The others did not believe Jesus would die at this point; they awaited an earthly kingdom ruled by Jesus. Yet, this lady understood and attempted to “do what she could” for the Lord. She had listened to the Lord long enough to grasp what His real work was!

 

This Was An Act Of Courage.

            When we read Matthew 26 and John 12, it is clear that though Jesus is surrounded by several, she is the only one acting in this manner. It takes courage to do something when no one else is. We can add to this the fact that when she started to anoint Jesus, the disciples complained loudly about what she was doing. Yet, she continued to act in faith. Indeed, it would take courage to continue when others protested.

 

This Was An Act Of Generosity.

            The price of the oil was “three hundred pence” (denarii, shillings, coins, Jn. 12:5), which was about a year’s wage. This lady poured out a year’s wages in moments! Was this wasteful? Although Judas and others claimed so (Matt. 26:8), it was a generous act toward her Savior! The oil’s price was insignificant compared to the One she anointed! This act demonstrated incredible generosity.

 

A Memorial

            Why should we remember this act? First, it is a memorial to her for what she did for the Lord. Additionally, doesn’t this show us how we need to act? Christians must act with faith, courage, and generosity as we walk this earth. It is increasingly clear that this is necessary as our society continues to deteriorate. As time progresses, it will be harder to be a Christian. Hence, we need to embody the faith, courage, and generosity of heart to follow the Lord and remain faithful to the taking of our lives (Rev. 2:10)! Let us never forget the actions of this meek and blessed lady! May we obey the Lord’s commands and proclaim her example wherever the gospel is preached!