Side Lines
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Search the Bible at BibleGateway.
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| The Woman That Anoints Jesus |
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| Written by Ken Courtney |
| Thursday, 07 May 2009 12:15 |
 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, "Why this waste? "For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. "For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. "For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. "Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her." Bible Book of Matthew Chapter 26: 6 - 13.
O that we might see people through the eyes of Christ! Even though Simon was a leper, Jesus saw beyond this terrible disease to see a man in need of a friend.
Simon was a man always shunned because of physical conditions and was viewed by others as useless. Jesus’ presence at Simon’s home provided an opportunity for Simon prove his value and be of service to someone else. Jesus always recognizes the great value of everyone. This woman who came to Jesus had to overcome the risk and fears associated with being in the company of lepers. Although she may have been motivated by strong emotions of love and gratitude, Jesus recognized this woman’s selfless deed as the preparation for His burial. One of the great mysteries in service for Christ is that both the giver and receiver often benefit in ways unseen by each another. The “cost” of the perfume became an issue to the disciples in the house. This woman had worked and acquired the money to purchase this fragrance. The perfume represented a substantial contribution of her life in service to others. By characterizing her use of the perfume as a “waste”, the disciples had failed to see that the “real value” consisted of this devoted woman and her service to Jesus in His time of need. Jesus expressed the real worth of the woman’s actions in the context of the “whole world”. Notice His emphasis on “what” she has done. She made the choice to act without regard for her own self-interest. The risk of personal safety, ridicule, and criticism did not keep her from service to Jesus for she was motivated by unconditional love. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments were to love God with all your being and to love your neighbor as yourself. Because of this woman’s faithfulness, you and I can read her story and learn from this ageless example of genuine love expressed to both God and Man.
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 May 2009 12:29 ) |