Jan Vermeer, ca 1653
A memorial instituted 2000-years ago but observed worldwide still
“Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her,” Matthew 26:13.
What a contrast were this woman’s thoughts to those abroad in that day. In verses 3 and 4 of this chapter we read: “Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.”
What a disparity there was in the feelings of this dear woman and those of these evil men!
1. Her thoughts prompted actions which were very much disapproved of by the disciples.
“But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?” verse 8. The word ‘waste’ means something very strong and dismissive of what the woman had done. It is used by divine inspiration as the destination of those who follow the broad path through life, Matthew 7:13. The word ‘destruction’ is the same Greek word as ‘waste’. It is also applied to Judas, ‘the son of perdition’ John 17:12. Here it is the word translated ‘perdition’.
Such usage of the word by the disciples shows how far removed were their thoughts from those of the woman. Out of a heart of deepest love and devotion she poured the very expensive ointment on the head of the Saviour. (more…)
