A Sacrifice of Perfume

N.T.#279 "A Sarifice of Perfume"

April 5, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

I like perfume. If you saw my dresser and its top drawer, you would come to that conclusion. One in today's lesson gave her most precious possession to her Lord.

Two days before the Passover, slaying of the lambs for the sins of the Jews, and the crucifixion of the Lamb of God, Jesus, the religious heads met at Caiaphas' house to plot the betrayer of Jesus. The high priest had his guys in charge come meet with him. They decided not to capture Jesus for the cross while the celebration of the Passover was going on, for there could be a riot. 

Meantime, Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper. (He could have been the father of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.) Perhaps this was a meal to thank Jesus for all he had done for Simon and Lazarus. something significant happened there-Mary poured here beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over Jesus' head. (verse 7) This perfume was extracted from the root of the nard plant in India, which was a costly import. It would have taken a year's wages to purchase it. (I wonder if it was from Mary's hope chest, as she hoped to get married one day.)

The disciples were indignant when they saw this. They called it a waste. The perfume could have been sold for a year's wages and the money given to the poor, their reasoning came through. (Sounds like Judas, thinking of money at a time like this.) John tells us (12:3) that Mary anointed Jesus feet, too, then wiped it with her hair. The room filled with the perfume. What a reminder of Jesus' death coming soon. (The perfume was one used for a dead body to hide the stink.)

LET IT GROW 

Mary had previously sat at the feet of Jesus listening as He taught the disciples. (Martha was cooking the food for the meal and complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her.) What an unselfish gift Mary gave to her Lord. Mary was preparing Jesus' body for burial. (verse 12) Jesus acknowledged her sacrifice. He saw into her loving heart.

How did Jesus respond to the reactions of Mary's good action? (New Living Translation)

Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing tor Jesus? (verse 10)

You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me. (verse 11)

She has poured this perfume on Me to prepare My body for burial. (verse 12)

I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and discussed. (verses 13)

What an act of worship for the true Messiah, the Anointed One. Isn't Jesus worthy of our all? What can we give to Him that is precious to us? How is our devotion to Jesus?

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are worthy of our worship and praises!

Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name of praise and glory!

You are my all in all!

Help us keep Your Truth, walk in Your ways, keep the first thing first-Loving Savior