Unforgettable Worship — Paul Khosla

Apr 4

Apr 4 Unforgettable Worship

As we move into Holy Week 2020, I'm giving particular thought to the things that take place in the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I believe that we all need a recalibration towards the shame, wonder, pain, sacrifice and glory of what Jesus did 'outside the city gates' on the cross (Hebrews 13:12). As I explore a few different gospel texts in simple ways this week, I invite you along for the journey.

So today, right now whenever and wherever you are reading this, you can either scroll down to get to the 'point' of the post. Or you can take a more contemplative approach and follow along. Whatever works.

More contemplative approach:

Take a moment and listen/watch/play ‘Alabaster Heart’ and try to find some quiet and then read ahead. (Again, if you're not into the 'quiety' stuff and want to skip ahead scroll down — I won't judge)

Now read through Matthew 26:1-13 (I've pasted a text-only version from the ESV)

When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."

The song you listened to, 'Alabaster Heart', throw it on repeat in the background.

Now click HERE to read the passage in a paraphrase/thought for thought translation like the NLT, MESSAGE, or NIV.

After reading the different translations stop and think about the story. How does the passage plays out in your mind? How does it look? Notice your thoughts, is the Holy Spirit drawing you to the passage in a specific way?

Now read on.

The 'point' of the post:

A few thoughts on how the woman with the Alabaster Box:

1. She Anointed Him as King:

The Jews in the room would have been aware of the symbolism of her actions in a way that, by default, we are not. The method of anointing a King was done by anointing at the head. It was customary during times of celebration to anoint guests with oil. There is a nod her towards the recognition of Jesus Christ as King here (Oxford; p.75). This might explain the indignation — the gospels vary a bit in who was indignant (Mark: 'There were some...', or '...the crowd'; John: Judas). The comment made was 'what a waste…' could it have been to avoid the symbolism of the Kingship of Jesus?

2. She Prepared Him for Burial:

She anointed not just the head of Jesus but from head to toe. This points towards the coming death of Jesus, which was an incomprehensible thought for those gathered. If He was their King; why would He die? And why would He die as a criminal? Unforgettable worship was prophetic. Is there room for us to make space for the humility of Jesus Christ? The cross was shameful; it was despised; it was outside the community; it was ultimate rejection. Think about this. I'm thinking about it. I'm thinking about what this would be comparable to in our time — in my home town. The closest thing I can think of is being found guilty of a crime and sentenced to life in prison. She worshipped prophetically with or without an awareness of what was coming in the next few days. We know the story, but sometimes we still show indignation —for the cross. We move quickly past the death of Jesus to get to what we see as the victory. Putting on a veil of ignorance and putting myself in that room; I wonder if I would have worshipped with Mary or offered feelings of indignation?

3. It Cost Her Future:

Perhaps the woman's unforgettable worship was a demonstration of losing one's life to save it? (Mt 10:39; 16:25). The alabaster box was of enormous value and it was set aside for Mary's future—her wedding. In that time, we understand a woman's future security was tied to marriage. The alabaster box of nard would have provided the dowry needed for marriage. Some have calculated the worth at around 54,000 USD. In breaking that box, I see Mary giving up her hopes and dreams of a future on her terms; and in an unforgettable way, placing her future in the hands of God.

I can see how I have been self-reliant at times; taking my future into my own hands, and I can also see how I've grown to embrace this life that the woman epitomizes. Still, I want to lay down more of me until it is just Jesus that is left.

Is the song still on repeat?