Reading: Matthew 26:6-7

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,   a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

Reflection:

Knowing Jesus

• Jesus loved to spend time with people, did not matter what kind of status the people had in the society. He ate with them and had conversations with them.  (While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples – Mark 2:15)
• Bethany is the place where Lazarus lived. Lazarus was the one whom Jesus raised from the dead, brother of Mary and Martha (John 11). This family was very close to Jesus as well.

 

Just imagine if Jesus would come to your home to hang out, how would you prepare? For sure, you would make things look impressive, taking out the “special” dishware which are only used during special occasions. However, as I read and imagine this – he was reclining at the table, I pictured it as very relaxing and comfortable.  Jesus just really wanted to hang out and be with people. He did not care about the external. This is the same with our life. Jesus does not care with the brand of clothing or shoes you wear. He does not even care what position you have or how rich you have become.  He just wants to be in your life, to be the center of your life. He wants to hang out with you – all of you.

The woman mentioned with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume was Mary. In today’s time, the most expensive perfume costs US $215,000 which is the Clive Christian’s Imperial Majesty.  It is a 6.9-ounce perfume bottle with an 18-carat gold collar that is embellished with a five-carat diamond. Do you even want to use that perfume if someone would give it to you? We might just even hide it to make sure no one steals it. Now imagine this – Mary poured out a very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. Imagine pouring out a US $215,000 worth of perfume just in one time. Would you even dare? Mary did.

Jesus is like the alabaster jar with the very expensive perfume. God gave His Most Precious One and Only Son Jesus to us to the point of death. Jesus sacrificed ALL of His life that we may have eternal life. (For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16). That’s how much God loves us.

Our life is also like the alabaster jar with the very expensive perfume. Jesus wants the entire perfume, not just a portion of it. He wants us to give our ALL to Him. He wants us to give our BEST to Him. Is there anything in your life right now that is hindering you to come closer to God? Are you always giving your best in everything that you do? Is there anything that is holding you back to give all of your life to God? Giving your all does not mean giving up your career or your money or your family to follow Him. Giving your all means putting God first before anyone and anything in your life and that in everything that you do, it honors and pleases God.

If you desire to give your all to God today, you can say this prayer:

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for reminding me today of how much you love us. Thank you for your One and Only Son Jesus that through Him I can have eternal life. Lord, teach me how to give my whole life to you.  Help me to make You the first in my life that I may be able to give my best always in everything that I do.  Forgive me Lord for holding back a lot of things in my life which hindered me to be more close to You. I want to know more about Your love through Jesus Christ.  This I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Song:

I Offer My Life by Don Moen