[436 words]
“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 upon 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 the poor you have with you always; but you do not always have Me. For when she poured this perfume upon 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 shall also be spoken of in memory of her” (Matthew 26:6-13).
As I read and study the Bible, I realize there were many things that took place which are not recorded. We know in whose house Jesus was when this took place. What they were eating is not mentioned. The information given us is important. We learn the love this woman had for Jesus. We learn of the problem Judas Iscariot had. He carried the money box for the disciples. He was a thief and also pilfered some of it for himself (John 12:5-6).
Jesus said: “Why do you bother the woman?” They did not understand. I have seen people doing things which I did not understand at the time. It may be best to keep our mouth shut in such a moment. We may even be much like Judas and betray our own weakness.
“She has done a good deed to Me.” Her heart was in the right place. She wanted to honor Jesus. In pouring the perfume on Him she did more than she realized, Jesus said it was for His burial. Some of the things we do to honor Jesus may seem at the time to be little, but they may bring great rewards later. The kind word spoken may help greatly in cheering up others. Opening a door for others to enter may seem a small gesture, but may be a kindness that is most needed at the time. What have you done for Jesus?
Wayne Curry
Highland Drive church of Christ
Poplar Bluff, MO