In Matthew 26 What Does The Act Of The Woman Anointing Jesus Reveal About True Worship?
The Anointing at Bethany: A Portrait of True Worship
In Matthew 26:6-13, we encounter a striking event: a woman enters the house of Simon the leper in Bethany and pours very costly ointment upon Jesus’ head. This scene, just days before the crucifixion, draws a vivid picture of what true worship entails. Let’s explore the significance of this act and what it teaches us about worship that pleases God.
1. True Worship Is Extravagant Devotion
The woman’s act was costly—she poured out an expensive ointment, likely worth a year’s wages (Matthew 26:7). While some present saw this as wasteful, Jesus recognized it as an act of profound love and honor.
But Jesus perceiving it said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. - Matthew 26:10 ASV
True worship is not measured by the world’s standards of practicality or economy. Instead, it is marked by a willingness to give our best—our time, resources, and affections—to Jesus. This echoes the call to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
2. True Worship Recognizes Who Jesus Is
The woman’s action was more than generosity; it was recognition of Jesus’ unique identity. Jesus Himself interprets her act as preparation for His burial:
For in that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. - Matthew 26:12 ASV
True worship arises from a right understanding of who Jesus is—Messiah, Savior, and Lord. The woman’s faith enabled her to honor Jesus in a way that even His closest disciples had not fully grasped. Worship is not merely ritual; it is rooted in revelation.
3. True Worship Is Often Misunderstood
The disciples’ response was indignation, questioning why the ointment was not sold and given to the poor (Matthew 26:8-9). Yet Jesus defended her, teaching that acts of worship directed toward Him are of supreme value.
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. - Matthew 26:11 ASV
Genuine worship may be criticized or misunderstood—even by fellow believers. Nevertheless, Jesus affirms those who honor Him above all else.
4. True Worship Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Jesus declared that this woman’s act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached:
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. - Matthew 26:13 ASV
Worship that flows from a heart devoted to Christ resonates through eternity. Our devotion, when fixed on Christ, becomes part of the gospel story itself.
5. The Centrality of Christ in Worship
The heart of true worship is Jesus. As Paul later writes,
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. - Galatians 2:20 ASV
Worship is the natural response to the love and sacrifice of Christ. True worship springs from grace, not obligation, and is expressed in self-giving love.
Conclusion
The woman’s anointing of Jesus in Matthew 26 reveals that true worship is extravagant, Christ-centered, often misunderstood, and leaves an eternal mark. It is a call to offer Jesus our very best, recognizing who He is and responding in love and adoration.