Love Poured Out

Valentine’s Day-a day to express love! Many people purchase cards, candy, perfume, jewelry, or flowers to give to the one they love.  And some plan extravagant dates at the best restaurants or hotels—no limits for their Valentine because love is in the air!

At this time of year, I would usually write about the love of God so proved by giving His one and only Son; or I might tell you how Jesus loves you because He willingly gave His life for the sins of the world. But this time, I want to share a story from a different perspective of one who loved much.

• What Is a Alabaster Box?

  The term "Alabaster box" was translated as "Jar," "Vial," and "Flask" in the King James Version Bible. Alabastron translates as "Perfume Vase" in other languages.

  In general, we will agree that the Alabastron or Alabaster box can be a perfume box, vial, or container. The term Alabastron can be traced back to the Egyptian city of Alabastron. Alabastron Egypt is a location where white marble can be found. Onyx-Marble is another name for Egyptian Alabaster.

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There was a woman whose name was Mary that had an alabaster box. In this box, there was a bottle of expensive perfume called pure Nard. In fact, it was worth three hundred denarii, or a year’s worth of wages. She had heard that Jesus was having dinner at Simon’s house. Of course, she had not been invited. You see, her reputation preceded her. She was known as a woman who lived a sinful life. She had been possessed with seven demons and whichever demonic spirit was in control would determine the evil activity for the day. She had been tormented and bound by the evil spirits with no hope in sight. Until…she met Jesus.

You see, Jesus had delivered her from the evil spirits – she was free. She couldn’t resist marching right into Simon’s house to express her love and gratitude to the man that changed her life forever. She didn’t care what the people said or thought of her – she had met Jesus and had to get to Him.

As Jesus was reclined and eating, she stood behind him at his feet weeping, wetting his feet with her tears. She began to wipe His feet with her hair, kissing his feet and then she poured out this expensive perfume all over them.

Jesus said in Luke 7:47-48, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Then Jesus said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.”

This is a picture of extravagant love. Mary demonstrated radical love and worship for the One who saved her life from destruction.  Jesus didn’t just look at her, pity her and go on His way.  No, Jesus looked into her eyes and saw to her very soul and then He set her free.

Of course, the religious immediately criticized such actions, passing judgement for such behavior. Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, quickly thought about the money that was wasted on such an act. Oh, and then there were those that said if Jesus was who he said he was, he would know that this was a sinful woman doing such an outrageous act.  How could he allow such a thing?

The truth is that Jesus did know her, and He passed no judgement.  In fact, Jesus defended her and said that she would be remembered for her actions every time the gospel was preached. 

My story isn’t one as dramatic as Mary’s. But I do know this – Jesus rescued me. Jesus saved me. You see, we are all sinners who need a Savior.  So, while I don’t have an alabaster box of expensive perfume to express my love for Jesus, I have my life to live every single day expressing my love for the one who loved me first.