How precious was Jesus to this woman that she would wash his feet with her tears and try them with her hair? Wanting only forgiveness for her sins and to be made whole, this woman approached Jesus though being told to go away! She tells us to press on - move forward and don't worry about what others think of your sins - they can and will be forgiven if your heart is right!
The oils in her box were probably used for cleansing (they didn't bathe much back then) - this woman was said to be a prostitute. She probably used them to spruce herself up between appointments. The act of pouring out the oils onto Jesus shows a true desire to be saved and cleansed of her sins. She gave to him her most precious gift, material gift, that is. Our sin is what separates us from God. Christ paid the price for that sin on Calvary. We only need to go to him in prayer and ask for forgiveness.
Like the oil in Mary's alabaster box, we want to pour our sins out at Christ's feet and be forgiven. I know for myself, the changes I've made in my life make me who I am now, still a sinner, but I know now that Christ's love has changed me and made me a better person. Without him, I would have nothing and would have spent my eternity in the fires of hell. I am a child of God (as are you) and I will inherit many wonderful things in heaven (as will you), but I will have to suffer through this human existence first (as do you)! Until that day arrives, we must battle the temptation to sin every day...and Christ will forgive us - EVERY DAY! Make him the center fold of your heart and your soul and you will be washing his feet with you tears! He knows our pain, he fills our need for grace and mercy! Let his life force flow within you! What is in your alabaster box that you have yet to take to him?
