Day 4: Wednesday of Retreat

The Woman Who Anointed Jesus—When worship is poured out (Matthew 26:6–13)

As the week progressed, Jesus spent time in Bethany, a small village just outside Jerusalem where some of his close friends lived—among them Lazarus, Martha, and Mary.

It was there, at a seemingly simple dinner, that one of the most beautiful acts of worship recorded in the Gospels took place.

While Jesus was at the table, a woman approached with an alabaster jar filled with very costly perfume. These jars typically held imported and extremely valuable perfumes—often equivalent to a full year's wages.

The woman—without making a speech, without seeking recognition—simply broke the jar and poured the perfume over Jesus. The fragrance filled the entire room.

But not everyone understood what was happening.

Some of those present began to murmur. From their perspective, it seemed like a waste. The perfume could have been sold, and the money used for other purposes. Jesus, however, saw something completely different.

“But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?” Matthew 26:10 NLT

That woman had understood something many still didn't: Jesus was on his way to the cross.

What seemed like an exaggerated gesture was actually a prophetic expression of love and worship. Jesus himself explained that this act was preparing his body for what was to come.

“She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." Matthew 26:12 NLT

When the heart has been touched by God's grace, worship ceases to be calculated. It's no longer about how much is too much. It's no longer about what others think. It's about recognizing that Jesus is worth more than anything we could ever possess.

True worship springs from a heart that has understood who Jesus is and what He has done for us. That is why the apostle Paul would later say:

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1 NLT

True worship is not just a song, it's a lifestyle. True love for Jesus is always expressed with devotion.

“True worship is not calculated—it is poured out.”

While some saw a costly perfume being emptied, Jesus saw a heart filled with love.

This woman understood something that others had not grasped: Jesus was worth more than anything she could possess. Jesus is worthy of all that we are and all that we have.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Worship is not limited to singing in a service. It is also expressed when: We dedicate time to God. We honor others with love. We serve with humility. We give the best of our lives.

Reflection questions: Why did some criticize what this woman did? What does it mean for us today to worship without reservation? What things in our lives could become like “perfume poured out” for Jesus?

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace and love. Help me to worship you with a sincere heart, without reservation or calculation. May my life be a constant expression of gratitude for all you have done. Amen.

Take a few minutes to think about this and right your reflections in a notebook or in your notes app.