A woman denied herself and gave her most precious, valuable treasure and asset, poured herself as a drink offering unto the Lord. All four gospels record the event, though the event in John’s gospel could be a different woman, Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37; John 12:3) Those who follow the Lord should deny like Mary, take up the cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24)
Perfume containers: Alabaster boxes are made from a stone Alabastron, available in Egypt and Israel. The stone resembles marble, but has a softer texture, and it could be shaped into boxes. It was used for decoration in the temple built by Solomon. (I Chronicles 29:2) The boxes were sealed with wax, and they completely contained the oil or perfume until the time of its use.
Perfume: Some scholars write that perfume was spikenard, an Indian plant Nardostachys Jatamansi that grows in the cold Himalayas and rocky ground. The perfume is extracted from the roots of the plant, which is small as it grows in the rocks. It is a laborious process to extract the perfume; hence, the costs are high.
Sacrifice: The woman loved the Lord as the Messiah, and anointed His head, poured also on his feet and wiped with her hair. First, she gave away her most prized possession. It was one year’s wage of a daily wage-earning person. Second, she gave up her dignity, as she was willing to wipe His feet with her hair, indicating she laid down her glory at his feet. Third, it was her future security that she poured out for the Lord. Four, it was a waste in others’ eyes, but beautiful in God’s eyes. It was foolish and not strategic in human eyes; it was prophetic and memorable for His burial. For the Lord, nothing we give is wasted.
Treasures: Believers carry treasures in the jar of clay. (II Corinthians 4:17) As fragile humans, the gospel treasure is carried by the believers. By offering themselves as a living sacrifice, they spread the aroma of Christ. (II Corinthians 2:15)
Is my life a drink offering unto the Lord?