Our Scripture meditation is based on Matthew 26:6-13, the start of the traditional readings for Maundy Thursday. For a meditation on one of the Psalms for Palm Sunday click HERE.
[6] Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, [7] 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. [8] And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? [9] For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” [10] But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. [11] For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. [12] In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. [13] Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Today we are blessed to start Holy Week, which unveils Jesus’ Passion. While shouldn’t be surprised that Jesus was anointed during His Passion, we should be grieved at why Jesus was anointed.
Jesus was proclaimed the King of Israel by a throng of people the last time He entered Jerusalem. (John 12:12-16). There is a long history of Israel’s kings being anointed, such as when the prophet Samuel anointed David. (I Samuel 10:1)
While this explanation of the anointing is rational, it is also inaccurate. Jesus wasn’t being anointed for his future coronation. He was being anointed for His burial. (v. 12) This was most fitting because Jesus died at the start of the Sabbath Day, so His body couldn’t be prepared for burial. This is why the women went to the tomb early the day after the Sabbath. (Luke 23:55-56)
Jesus was being anointed because He was going to die for the sins of the world, the King giving His life for His people. While this weigh heavy upon us during Holy Week, we remember that Jesus’ crucifixion did not end His reign as King. Instead, we’re told in Revelation 19:16 that Jesus remains, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 