Events in Jerusalem are moving toward a climax. On three occasions, Jesus revealed to His close followers His imminent arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. Each time, they failed to comprehend how God’s Messiah could be treated this way.
Simon, who was certainly one of the people Jesus had healed, hosted a dinner for Jesus and His disciples.
“Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table” (Matthew 26:7-8).
The motives of this woman’s extravagant act of devotion are not known. We do know her gift was the equivalent of a year’s wages for a laborer in the first century.
Disciples in Need of Further Instruction
The disciples didn’t comprehend the significance of the woman’s act. Neither did they foresee the fulfillment of the times Jesus told them about future events.
“But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, ‘Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum and the money given to the poor'” (Matthew 26:8-9).
I am not dismayed at the fumblings and misunderstandings of the disciples. They walked every day with Jesus, but frequently needed correction. I have walked with Jesus through the activity of the Holy Spirit, but I daily need His correction, too.
Another important point to consider is how the way the disciples are portrayed authenticates the Bible. Ancient literature often glosses over the failings of its heroes. These men would become the founders of the church, but their lack of faith and incomprehension is often highlighted in the record. This fact helps us understand the reliability of the Biblical account.
The Worship Jesus Honors
The woman may not have understood the reason why she seemed compelled to pour such an expensive ointment on Jesus. In fact, she may not have thought through the implications of going to the dinner and boldly approaching Jesus.
The good news about worship is this: we may not know what inner push compels our worship, but Jesus does.
“But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her'” (Matthew 26:10-13).
Do you know who was the Roman emperor at this time? What about the Roman and Jewish officials or the temple authorities? It is just like the Holy Spirit to direct Matthew to include information about this woman and Jesus’ words about her, but eliminate the “so-called” important people of the day.
In one act of generosity, the Spirit used this woman to anoint Jesus’ body before His death and reinforce what Jesus had previously told the disciples about His death.
When I begin my prayer time, I often paraphrase Romans 8:26. I confess to the Lord that I don’t know how to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to pray through me.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).
I believe the woman at Simon’s house was led by the Spirit to worship Jesus, even though the Holy Spirit wasn’t poured out on all humanity until the Day of Pentecost. As we depend on the Holy Spirit, we can count on His leadership and power in both prayer and worship.
Not Everyone Was Convinced
Judas didn’t understand the woman’s actions or Jesus’ mission from the Father. Instead of giving devotion, he decided to betray Jesus.
“Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him” (Matthew 26:14-16).
Both the woman and Judas are remembered for all time for their actions. One gave Jesus worship, and the other served his own self-interest and that of the evil one.
One of the best choices we can make is to ask the Holy Spirit not only to direct our prayers and worship, but also to guide our attitudes and actions. This way, we will be among the servants of the Lord and not the traitors.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed Matthew 26:1-16 today on YouTube.
Real Voices 