“In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial.” – Matthew 26:12

What a week it had been up to this point. There was the triumphal entry into Jerusalem with loud hosannas and palm branches. Then the cleansing of the temple with the tables of the money changers being overturned and sent packing. The cursing of the fig tree and the questioning of Jesus’ authority to do what he was doing. Not to mention the parables and teachings! What next?

Jesus is visiting a friend’s home when a woman, who nobody seemed to know, pours a very expensive oil on His head! Those watching all this were taken aback. Who is this woman and how dare she waste such valuable oil when it could be used to benefit others! Then Jesus intervenes saying the woman’s act has been done to prepare him for burial, and she will be remembered forever for doing it. Wait! What? Jesus wasn’t dead, why would she do this? As the week progressed, the reasons would become all too clear.

Why were people anointed with oil for burial? It was done to show honor, control decomposition with fragrant spices, and symbolically prepare the body for its final journey, representing a transition and hope in resurrection and eternal life.

Many times, Jesus foretold of His upcoming death, but also with the promise of His rising and giving us the gift of eternal life. If you notice, one of the reasons for the anointing was to give this very hope of eternal life.

Jesus did exactly as He foretold and promised. He died for you and me, took away our sins, rose from the dead and gave us the gift of eternal life! So let us, like the woman, give Him honor and worship, now and forever!

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
– Psalm 34:3

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to die for me so that I may live for You.

Daily Reading: Matthew 24

– Contributed by Tom Johnson