March 31st, 2026

Read: Matthew 26:6-13

Although this story is very similar to the story in Luke that we explored last week, many scholars believe that the anointing we read about in these Scriptures, which took place during Holy Week, was an entirely separate event. The message is similar, but the context deepens our understanding of the last several days of Jesus’ life.

As I read this Scripture, I often find myself thinking about the well-known story of Mary and Martha, when Martha complains to Jesus about Mary’s apparent laziness in her hosting duties. In that passage as in this one, Jesus reminds his followers that acts of service and justice are important, but they must flow out of our devotion to Jesus. Mary and the sinful woman we read about today both correctly identified the most important thing in their interaction with Jesus – Him.

The woman in this story appears to know something about Jesus that even his own disciples have struggled to understand. The oil she brought was intended to prepare him for death and burial, and her devotion to him cost her everything she had, but she knew that on that particular day, there was absolutely nothing more important.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be fully devoted to you. As I walk through this week with you, draw me close to your heart and sharpen my focus on you.