Introduction

Today, I want to share with you a powerful incident recorded in the Bible about Jesus being anointed by a notorious woman just before His crucifixion. This event is mentioned in two different scriptures, one in a brief manner and the other in more detail. Both accounts hold significant meaning, and it is important for us to explore them. Let us dive into the Word of God and uncover the message behind this powerful act of worship.

Scripture 1: Matthew 26:7-13 (NIV)

During a gathering at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, a woman approached Jesus with an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil. She poured it on His head as He sat at the table. The disciples were indignant, questioning the purpose of this act and suggesting that the oil could have been sold to help the poor. However, Jesus defended the woman, acknowledging her good work. He explained that she had anointed Him for His burial, emphasizing the significance of her actions. Jesus declared that wherever the gospel is preached, her act of worship would be remembered.

Scripture 2: Luke 7:36-50 (NIV)

In this account, Jesus was invited to dine at the house of a Pharisee named Simon. As they sat at the table, a woman known as a sinner in the city came in with an alabaster flask of fragrant oil. Standing behind Jesus, she began to weep and washed His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair. She kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Observing this, Simon questioned Jesus' identity as a prophet, doubting His knowledge of the woman's sinful nature. Jesus responded with a parable about forgiveness and highlighted the woman's actions as evidence of her great love and faith. He forgave her sins and affirmed her salvation.

Explanation

These two scriptures depict the same incident but provide different perspectives. The first scripture in Matthew offers a concise account, emphasizing the woman's act of anointing Jesus for His burial. Jesus acknowledges her good work and declares that her story will be shared wherever the gospel is preached.

The second scripture in Luke provides a more detailed narrative, introducing the woman as a notorious sinner. Despite her reputation, she approaches Jesus with deep humility and love, expressing her worship through tears, kisses, and the anointing of His feet. Jesus recognizes her genuine repentance and forgives her sins, affirming her faith and granting her peace.

Lessons to Learn

1. Honoring Jesus: Like Simon the leper, we are called to invite Jesus into our lives and honor Him with our worship. Let us not hold back in expressing our love and adoration for Him.

2. Genuine Worship: The woman's act of worship teaches us the importance of offering our worship from the depths of our hearts. It is not about showmanship or impressing others but about a sincere connection with God.

3. Breaking Barriers: The woman's actions challenge us to break through societal norms and expectations to approach Jesus with humility and repentance. No matter our past or reputation, Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation to all who come to Him in faith.

4. The Value of Sacrifice: The woman's costly act of anointing Jesus with fragrant oil reminds us that true worship often requires sacrifice. Let us be willing to give our best to honor and serve the Lord.

Conclusion

The story of Jesus being anointed by a notorious woman before His burial holds profound significance for our lives today. It teaches us about the power of genuine worship, the importance of breaking barriers to approach Jesus, and the value of sacrificial acts done in His name. May we be inspired by this woman's example and offer our heartfelt worship to Jesus, knowing that He sees and values our love for Him.

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