Albaster Box

It was six days before the Celebration of the Passover. This is a week long festival commemorating the time when the angel of the Lord passed over the first born son's of the Hebrew children and did not kill them as the angel killed the first born sons of the Egyptians. It was this day when Mary and Martha were busy making preparations for the banquet that they were giving in honor of Jesus. Everyone was anticipating his arrival and it would be safe to say that almost all of Bethany would be there. Word had gotten out that Jesus was going to be staying at their house and a lot of folks were traveling from Jerusalem to meet and talk with Jesus. Everyone knew that Jesus had raised Lazarus from dead and it was because of this major miracle that many of the Jews were putting their faith in Jesus. Not only that -now Lazarus had also heard that the chief priest were plotting and making plans to try and kill him as well!


All the guest were seated and eating and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Jesus. It was then that Mary felt an overwhelming desire to serve Jesus. She knew that servants were the ones who normally took care of peoples feet. She didn't care-she knew what she must do. She went into her room and picked up her alabaster box which contained a pint of pure nard. Mary knew that this nard would cost a year of wages to purchase and she didn't care. She felt that Jesus deserved only the best and she would do this one thing for Him. She walked back into the room where all the men were seated and eating and she knelt before her King. She slowly reached down and began by unlacing each of his sandals. Then she removed them just like a mother would lovingly remove shoes off their children's feet. She was aware that everyone had stopped talking-yet in her heart and mind she was resolute. She would not stop even if Roman solders came storming into the room. Then she opened the Alabaster Box and the scent of perfume filled the room and she poured the oil onto his feet-first one and then the other. As she held each foot in her hand she caressed it as gently as a woman would bath a new born babe. As she held the feet of her Lord tears welled in her eyes and fell upon the feet of this man called Jesus. Her heart was pounding and it felt as if her chest would burst. Images began to flash through her minds eye and she saw many of the times she had sat at his feet and listened to his teaching. Moments when He had looked into her eyes and the love that was there. She saw her brother walk out of the tomb- still wrapped in the grave clothes and given back to her and her sister. Jesus had brought love and hope in her life and now as she held his feet in her hands-She knew he was her saviour. Oh, she felt so unworthy. She knew she didn't deserve to know Him-she was so humbled by His presence. As these thoughts and feelings surged through her mind, she felt humbled. Being led by a power greater than herself, she unbound her hair and let it fall to the floor. She lifted each foot one at a time upon her lap and began to dry His feet with her hair. .

Many of the onlookers were deeply moved, although some were jealous and envious. Due to the fact many of the Jews were now following Jesus and leaving the old ways. It was Judas Iscariot who spoke up and ask why that the nard wasn't sold and given to the poor? He didn't say this because he felt sorry for the poor, it was because he was keeper of the money bag and would help himself to money when ever he so desired.. Jesus said, "leave her alone, she has done a beautiful thing to me," " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, yet you will not always have me, and where ever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she had done will also be told in memory of her."


Mary felt that she had done what she knew she was suppose to do. She picked up her Alabaster Box and walked out of the room. She didn't speak a word her actions had spoke for her. Her heart was a little heavy, because of the words Jesus had spoke about doing this for his burial. This statement was confusing to her and her heart was sadden because of those words. He knew that she loved and believed in Him and that was worth everything to her.



When you spend time alone with Jesus- do you touch Him with your heart and pour you love out to Him as an offering? Do you keep your mind focused on Him and what blessings He has given you? Do you petition Him and ask for things or do you offer up words of love and thanksgiving? Mary poured her heart and took on the role of a servant in order to demostrate her love for Jesus. She didn't say a word and allowed her actions to speak for her. When you go into your prayer closet and close the door try pouring your love out to God and and don't ask for anything. Take time to confess your love and gratitude , minister unto the Lord with praise and thanksgiving. Thank Him for His blessings and for His love. You will experience another level of intimacy with Jesus.

Scriptures used in this lesson is taken from John 12:1-11 and Mark 14:1-9. You may also find scriptures pertaining to Jesus being anointed during this same time frame in Matthew 26:6-11