“While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.”
Mark 14:3 (NIV)
Greeting with a kiss, washing feet and pouring fragrant oil on the head were all routine customs of hospitality in Jesus’ day. These acts of hospitality were done for house guests who spent hours walking in the hot dry sun.
This woman went beyond the routine custom of the day, and poured out all her oil on Jesus, saving nothing for herself. As others complained about her waste, Jesus praised her for showing Him so much love.
For me, the valuable oil kept in my alabaster jar is my time. Time is sacred and sometimes I just want to keep it for myself. When we sacrifice time to serve others, it’s like washing Jesus’ feet or pouring oil on His head. I remember once staying late at church washing silverware after an evening event, and I kept thinking how much I disliked washing dishes, and wished I was at home relaxing on my couch. This bible story was an awakening for me, and I realized that whether I give my time in a menial task like washing church dishes or taking the time to call someone who is lonely and struggling, it is like pouring oil out of my alabaster jar. Serving others, is serving Jesus and there’s nothing menial about serving Jesus. The narrow spout on the alabaster jar was used to moderate the flow of oil and avoid waste, but the woman broke off the spout, and poured it all out on Jesus. In holding nothing back, her action was interpreted by Him as a gesture of love.
Jesus loves us in the same way, and gave Himself for us without moderation. He held nothing back, but emptied Himself completely, all the way to the cross. This story is a reminder that He is worthy of whatever we hold valuable in our alabaster jars. Whatever we do for others is done for Him. In breaking off the spout, Jesus becomes our first priority and our first love.
Jesus, thank you for showing your love to us in giving all of yourself. Help us to love you more by giving you more of what is kept in our alabaster jars. Amen