She Did a Beautiful Thing
Scripture Reading — Matthew 26:6-13
"Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me." Matthew 26:10
The story we have read today is engraved forever in the church's memory. As Jesus foretold, this woman's act of anointing him with expensive perfume is told wherever the gospel is preached.
Jesus called what she did "a beautiful thing" because it flowed from the love in her heart. She came to Jesus unexpectedly and poured perfume on his head.
Her deed was also beautiful because it was costly to her. The perfume was very expensive. She could have purchased much with the money it was worth. The fact that her action was sacrificial made it beautiful in the eyes of the Lord.
Her act was also beautiful because of the deep devotion behind it. Jesus said, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." The disciples criticized the woman for wasting valuable ointment, but Jesus saw that she acted out of love and gratitude to him.
Jesus also saw that the woman had seized a once-and-for-all opportunity to anoint his body for burial, according to custom. If she had not done it then, there would be no other chance. On resurrection morning, women came to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body (Mark 16:1), but Jesus had already risen!
Ask God for opportunities you can use today to do beautiful things out of gratitude to the Savior.
Lord, in response to your love for us, may we grow in love and gratitude to you. Fill our lives with beautiful deeds that honor you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Roger S. Greenway
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