167 of 365 - Extravagant worship

… a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. Matthew 26:7
 
My eyes are fixed on the woman who walked in the door -- the other guests notice her too. All eyes are shifting her way. She has an incredible presence. I should welcome her, but I am frozen.

She confidently walks up to Jesus. His eyes lock on hers. He has a way of doing that; of making you feel like you are the only one in the room. The once noisy space is eerily silent.

She lifts the alabaster jar over his head and breaks the thin glass neck. Instantly I know what is in the bottle. We all do. The room is flooded with the strong aroma. Expensive perfume, dripping over the teacher’s head. Soaking his hair, running down his face, pouring over his clothes, remnants dropping to the table and onto the floor. If I had to guess, at least 12 ounces. I cup my hand over my mouth and nose. The potent smell is overwhelming.

What is she doing? Why would she do such a thing? Tears stream down her face. She is filled with emotion. With love. She drops to her knees. What a display of extravagant worship. She cares not a shred what anyone in the room thinks. I wish I were more like that.

I quickly observe that not everyone is thinking the same. It is acutely apparent from the voices talking over each other.

“Why this waste?” one of the disciples shouted. He has a point. A year’s worth of wages in a pool on my just swept floor.
 
To be continued…

Questions: Why do you think the woman poured the expensive oil over Jesus’ head? Would you have also thought it a waste? What do you think Jesus will think?