THE ALABASTER JAR OF OIL

Reference text: Luke 7:36-50

Do a bit of visualization with me today as you read along. As best as you can, picture the scene in this story:

Jesus is startled while he sits at table. What is that? Or rather, who is that? He looks down to see a trembling woman. One who had crept up quietly behind him as he sat, an uninvited guest many would say. But she had found her way in, creeping up from behind as though as though too shy to be seen, or too ashamed to be noticed.

Amidst streams of tears, ‘clunk’ went the lid on the jar of alabaster, and out poured the sweet smelling oil flowing at the master’s feet. And with her hair, as though no towels existed, she wiped his feet. Scripture does not record any words spoken by this woman, but in the words of Cece Winans in her song titled “Alabaster box”: “although she spoke no words, everything she said was heard.

In that moment, words were not needed because it was heart to heart, deep calling on to deep, and a fellowship beyond words.

We have many words to say, but beyond words, God looks at our hearts for that is our real reflection.

#sly