“Wholeness in the Brokenness”

³ Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Mark 14:3 NLT

I’ve read this passage many times in the past, but in recent times it has called me to look more closely. In the gospel according to Luke, the woman is described as ‘sinner,’ ‘immoral,’ ‘prostitute,’ ‘one who lived a sinful life,’ depending upon the translation you’re reading. Nonetheless, Luke was making the distinction that there was a defining moment that occurred ~ a transformation, if you will ~ at the moment she met her Savior.

Jesus was having dinner in the home of someone he had previously healed and was in the company of several other people. I would have loved to have been there to watch the scene unfold as this ‘known woman’ (by the way, this was Lazarus’ sister, Mary) entered the room with her alabaster jar.

My eyes are drawn towards this alabaster jar. Alabaster is a weak stone (in comparison to marble), but was used to contain ointments and perfumes in ancient Biblical times. In its organic state is white, translucent and very delicate, being easily scratched. As a jar, it was likely translucent, where the contents can be seen and light can permeate.

As I re-read this account of Mary breaking the alabaster jar that contained her perfume, I saw the symbolism of her heart. Her heart broke for what breaks GOD’s heart. The perfume represented her life that she was turning away from ~ perhaps the perfume represented the wealth that she accumulated from her godless lifestyle. She was in essence, breaking free. And as she was being freed, the aroma filled the room. You can’t be freed by Jesus without someone taking notice.

She was able to break free because of Jesus. Mary had seen or maybe heard about Simon’s healing and wanted what he had ~ restoration and wholeness. And she received it at the feet of Jesus. Her heart was probably pounding out of her chest when she entered the room as all judging eyes were now on her every move. It’s possible she heard the whispers and watched the body language as people looked at her with disgust. But she had come to a point in her pain that she could no longer remain contained ~ in her alabaster life. Her tears of sorrow and repentance turned to joy when Jesus spoke words of forgiveness.

My imagination goes into overdrive ~ because I get it. I get her. Jesus got her. Jesus gets us.

Are there alabaster jars that need to be broken in your life, Friend? Is there something that just keeps you at a distance from getting closer to the Lover of your soul? Whatever is in that alabaster jar is not worth your life. And Jesus is here to break you out and set you free ~ if you’ll let Him.

“Father GOD, You alone know the heart of your daughter. You formed her and had a plan and purpose for her precious life long before the world was set on its axis. Before You placed the stars in the skies, you had a gleam in Yours when You thought about her. Lord, You know that life this side of Paradise can be harsh and cruel, leaving her feeling less than her true worth. My prayer, Lord, is that You and she are reunited and that her relationship with You is the launchpad from which she will thrive and flourish as You intended from the start. Whatever hurts and disappointments she is experiencing at this very moment, O GOD, I ask You to reveal Your presence to her in a real and tangible way. Let her healing begin with her next breath. In the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.”

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary