Matthew 26 - 12.2.25
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:6 – 13
6 “While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you,[a] but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
OBSERVATION
I can relate to the thought the disciples had towards the “waste” of the perfume. They had a good and practical idea with how the jar of perfume could be used to help the poor. In my financial brain, I would have come to the same conclusion as the disciples. The problem is they were only thinking in one dimension. You see, the woman who anointed Jesus was doing so to honor Jesus in preparation for his burial. She understood His teachings about what would happen to Him, taken them to heart, and wanted to provide a worthy honor for his burial.
The disciples are sure quick to judge and criticize the expensive use of the perfume. They are more concerned about how it could have been better used rather than understanding she was on a mission to honor and worship Jesus. The disciples had a completely different view based in the world’s ideals, but the woman was thinking more in the spiritual and what would be a perfect way to show her love for and worship to Jesus.
Although this scripture doesn’t mention the name of the “woman,” we can see the same story is told in John 12:1 – 7 and the woman is Mary (sister to Martha and Lazarus):
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.”
In doing some research on this scripture, the jar of perfume was valued at more than a “years wages.” In today’s value, the cost was possibly from $30,000 to over $50,000. The value speaks more of the sacrifice Mary made to honor Jesus. This jar might have been her life savings, possibly a dowry, or a special inheritance. No matter where the expensive perfume came from or the intended use in the future, she wanted to give her absolute best to honor and worship Jesus.
Mary loved Jesus very much. She followed and worshiped Jesus many times by being at his feet. In Luke 10:38 – 42 we see the famous story of Mary and Martha:
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Although the scriptures don’t specifically mention Jesus’ feelings about Mary, we can see that verse 13 shows Jesus valued her sacrifice and worship. Jesus honors Mary by saying “wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Interesting he says it will be in memory of her – not about Him, his coming death, burial and resurrection – but He wanted everyone to know, throughout time, that Mary’s act of love and worship would forever be remembered. I can’t think of any other time Jesus has done this for anyone else. Jesus found a way to honor and show his love for Mary.
APPLICATION
In reading this section of scripture, I began to think are there situations in my day-to-day life where I’m fulfilling practical service when I should be doing spiritual service? I’m sure there are practical situations when something should be done with a spiritual intent. The key is to be mindful of spiritual service to God before practical service. Think outside the normal box of life to serve God.
Mary’s sacrifice to Jesus was in giving her best and most valuable thing in life to Jesus. She didn’t use half the bottle or chose an everyday perfume. She chose the best she had. She knew nothing else in life meant more than giving her best to Jesus. Everything I do in life needs to reflect giving my best in service of my time, talents, and finances to the Lord.
Is analyzing what other people do in service or worship to God necessary? This scripture shows how judgmental and shortsighted the disciples were – and reflects what happens in life today way too often. If someone is serving God or in worship, that’s between them and God. It’s not up to me or anyone else to critique what they should or shouldn’t do in service or worship to God. Jesus knows our hearts and if we’re giving our best, that’s all that matters.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for this wonderful section of scripture that shows what true worship looks like, how we shouldn’t judge others in their worship, and to always give our best to you! Help me, Lord, to always have Mary’s heart and give you my best and most valuable in my time, service, worship, tithes and offerings. You deserve it all Jesus! Forgive me, Lord, where I’ve not given my best or where I have criticized others in their worship. Open my heart and mind to love you like Mary did - with all that she had. In His mighty name, Jesus. Amen
- Mary Oberg
Matthew 25 - 12.1.25
Scripture
Matthew 25:13 NIV
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Observation
Before Jesus said the above words, He gave a parable of the 10 virgins. 5 were wise and the other 5 were foolish. All 10 had lamps, but only the wise ones brought oil to light their lamps. They were waiting for the bridegroom. He had not arrived yet and was taking a long time to return. While they were waiting for him, they ALL fell asleep. However, because the wise virgins were already prepared with oil, upon the groom’s return, they were ready. The foolish ones tried to get oil from the wise virgins, but the oil wasn’t enough for them to share and they had to get their own. Unfortunately, it was too late and the groom did not allow the foolish brides into the wedding banquet.
This parable is how Christ’s return is going to be! No one knows the day or hour, not even the angels in Heaven or Jesus Himself! Only the Father! (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32)
As Christ followers, because our hope is set on His return, it may seem like He is taking a long time. It’s tempting to think He is not coming back and we may want to return to the ways of the world, if we are not careful. However, we must be like the wise brides who were prepared even though their groom was a long time in coming. We need to be prepared at any day or time! A day to Him is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day! (2 Peter 3:8)
I was also convicted by the fact that the foolish couldn’t borrow oil from the wise. They had to be prepared for themselves. We cannot expect to borrow oil from another brother or sister in Christ when that day comes! We must be prepared individually. Faith in Jesus is a personal decision that doesn’t get transferred just because we go to church or were born into a Christian family.
The last thing I noticed about this parable is that ALL of the virgins fell asleep, including the wise ones. Matthew Henry commentary explains that:
• All slept because the coming of Christ seemed delayed.
• Sleep represents life continuing normally, and believers experiencing human weakness.
• The wise were still ready despite sleeping.
(Reference: Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible — Matthew 25:1–13)
Basically, although the wise still felt weak while waiting, it wasn’t to the detriment of their salvation. They were still ready for Him.
Application
Be prepared and ready for Christ’s return.
How can we be prepared?
1. Stay connected to God in prayer, His Word, worship and the community of Believers who will encourage us “as we see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
2. Be accountable to someone if working through a sin struggle and don’t be afraid to ask for help from a Pastor, Christian counselor or trusted Spirit-filled brother/sister in the faith. (1 Peter 5:8-11)
3. Serve others and let Your light shine for Jesus to further His Kingdom and bring others with us! In the next parable that Jesus gave His disciples, He talked about bags of gold or talents. Our gifts and talents cannot be hidden, but must produce fruit when our Master returns! We cannot hide it in the ground. We don’t want Jesus to call us out for being a “wicked and lazy servant!” (Matt. 25:26) Rather, we want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21,23)
Prayer
Dear Lord,
I know that the day or hour of Your return is unknown. I do not want to be caught unprepared when You finally arrive. Thank You for Your encouragement in Your Word that You will be returning soon. Even though at times, it seems like it may not happen, I pray that I would always be encouraged to draw close to You and not the lies of the enemy or the world who do not believe. Thank You Jesus for also giving me that vision of hope for Your return in one of my dreams! May I continue to use my time on this earth to serve You and bring more people into Your Kingdom before You return. Please teach me how to patiently endure and keep my lamp and heart burning for You until the end. I want to be ready no matter what day or hour You return. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Matthew 22 - 11.28.25
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-45
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied.
43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
44 “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’
45 If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” 46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions
Observation:
The Pharisees and the Sadducees had questioned Jesus trying to trick Him. They were amazed and astonished at His wise answers. The next question came from someone who was an expert in the law. He asked Him what is the greatest commandment. Jesus didn’t have to think about it. He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind.” He then gave them a bonus, the second greatest commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the law and teaching of the prophets hang on these two.
Loving God and others are the key to walking with God. If we do this following the rest will fall into place.
Jesus then turned the tables, He asked them a question and when they answered He proved their answer wrong, it stopped them from asking any more questions.
Application:
It is ok to ask God questions. He says to seek Him. However, the questions in this passage were not coming from open hearts seeking knowledge. Jesus answered their questions anyway, teaching them incredible truths. I want to make sure God is first in my life and I love Him with all my heart, soul and mind. I want to be open, like He was to answer questions and share God’s truth even if the questions are asked with trickery in mind. Loving Him and my neighbor as He described will grow me in relationship with Him. Then, I can answer in ways that amaze people because I am not relying on my insight, but allowing God to flow through me.
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank you for your love and compassion. May I strive to love you with all I am. Please give me patience when a question being asked is to get things off track, complain, or trick. May your strength fill me to answer as you would with a heart to teach and share truth. You are so good. May your goodness flow through me to others.
Amen
- Cindy Howard