Alabaster Jar – Giving all to Jesus

Alabaster Jar – Giving all to Jesus – Word of God Speak Linkup

“What she has done will also be told.” And it has been told. Again and again. The story of the woman and the alabaster jar of fragrance is such an extravagant story. From the expense of the nard, to the heavy fragrance of the perfume, I can sense the abundance.

Alabaster Jar - Giving all to Jesus
Alabaster Jar from Wikipedia

Today we are looking at Mark 14:1-9 as the fifth week in Lent. We are using the S.I.M.P.L.E. Method of Bible Study.

S – Say the passage out loud: Check other versions.

I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her (Mark 14:9, NIV). 

And in The Message:

And you can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she just did is going to be talked about admiringly (Mark 14:9, MSG).”

I – Interpretation – Check footnotes, references and commentaries. Find out all you can about the passage. When? Where? Why?

Last week we looked at Mark 12:41-44 where the poor woman put in everything.

Looking back at the previous passages we see Passover is two days away. Today’s passage follows Jesus’ description of the “end of the age”. Jesus describes his coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And after this passage – Judas goes to the priests to betray Jesus.

Read all of Mark 14:1-9

Here are some questions:

Why hadn’t the priests killed Jesus? 

They didn’t want the people upset. It was feast time. The people might riot.

Where was Jesus?

He was in Bethany at Simon the leper’s.

Who arrived? And what did she bring with her?

A woman entered and brought in an expensive alabaster Jar of perfume – pure Nard. I can find many reports that this was Mary of Bethany, Martha’s sister. But I also found other references that she was an unnamed woman.

What did the woman do?

She broke the jar and poured it over Jesus’ head.

What was the reaction of the people in the room? 

They rebuked her and wanted to know why so much money had been wasted instead of giving it to the poor.

What was Jesus’ reaction?

Jesus told them to leave her alone, not to bother her. He said we would always have the poor but He would not always be here. She did what she could to prepare His body for burial.

Gospel means good news.

Read the following references:

Matthew 24:14
Mark 16:15
John 12:3 – This woman has been identified as Mary – and she pours the nard over Jesus’ feet.

Nard is made from oil that had been extracted from the root of a plant grown in India. It’s very fragrant.

M- Make a list of thoughts, questions and ideas.

There is so much in this story. Focusing just on our featured passage – the one we will attempt to memorize – Jesus is telling me how important worship is to HIm. The woman has gone to the house with a purpose – a plan. I believe God led her to Jesus to bless Him abundantly. She shows her love and how much she cares for Him.

Many stories, articles, and songs have been written about this woman and what she did. It is a small passage but Jesus predicted it would be told again and again when His story was told. And it was and is.

Jesus knew exactly what the woman was doing and how much this story would be told over and over. I like to believe it was Mary of Bethany. I remember her sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him and learning from Him. I remember Martha being upset with her for not helping with the preparations. And I remember Jesus saying to Martha that Mary was doing what is best. And once again He says the same thing.

P- Pray for God’s Guidance This is a silent time of prayer, listening to God Speak. When you have finished writing all your thoughts, questions and ideas then take time for prayer.

L- Life Application – Write down what you heard God speak (no matter how different from your own thoughts previously).

Once again I fell asleep. I have been tired lately, fighting allergies. But it was very peaceful and I remember feeling in His arms.

I know I will worship Jesus by studying, praising, praying and preaching His word. (click to tweet)

Thy will be done
Hail to my King
Pouring nard from an alabaster jar on my Saviour

Sing joyous songs of deliverance
Be wary of going off track
Plan with God

Alabaster Jar - Giving it all to Jesus

E- Exit with a prayer of confirmation, forgiveness, praise or acceptance.

Lord, I love how you show me where my focus lies. From looking at the woman who gave everything to the woman who worshipped Jesus fully. I am trying to put my whole self into your Hands. I am trying to cast my cares on You. I am trying to let You show me how to gain more time for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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8 comments

  1. This is one of my favorite stories, Janis. It is very convicting about all that we need to “pour out” in our lives in worship and praise of our Savior. Thanks so much for the linkup, my friend!

  2. I am enjoying these Biblical stories you have shared the last two weeks, Janis. This story amazes me because Jesus saw this woman’s heart when all the rest saw was that she was being wasteful. It makes me think we never understand what others are going through. Things may look one way from the outside, but it could be a very different story on the inside. Thanks for sharing and for hosting 🙂

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