Mary's breaking of the Alabaster Box to anoint the head and feet of Christ before His death and burial.?

Question

Its spiritual significance please.

How does this situation apply to us. How do we " Break our alabaster box " in our service and love for the Lord. One thing i learned recently of an alabaster box. The ointment that is contained in it is very valuable and extremely expensive.. especially in that day for someone like mary. The Only way to get the ointment is to break the box it comes in. You can't unscrew the top. Also most of the time.. people waited until AFTER the death of someone to anoint their body..not before.

watchman nee wrote an excellent book on this matter that i can really wanna recommend.. you can find the link here

http://www.ministrybooks.org/books.cfm?id=%23%28%3E%2FF%0A

any seeking believers are welcome to read..its called ' the breaking of the outer man and the release of the spirit"
easy to read and full of enlightenment for all God's children.

Answer 1

anointing for his death, precious tears as she wiped his feet with her hair

She knew his time was soon and some of the others did not

difference of the discernment

Answer 2

I think during that time period, bodies were prepared for burial by anointing it with a very expensive ointment. It was a type of symbolic embalming. I'm not sure if there's any spiritual significance, she just knew He was going to die and that was her way of honoring Him before His death.

Answer 3

Judas saw only the expensive ointment which could have been sold and the money given to the poor. (Judas was the Apostle who kept the money for Jesus and the 12)

Jesus rebuked Judas because Mary freely used the ointment to anoint Jesus.

People gathered ointment often for their own burials, or family burials. Mary took what she was saving for herself and used it selflessly upon Jesus. He commended her for this loving act in anointing Him just prior to the crucifixion, and His death.

Answer 4

The perfumed oil was an expensive item. It was Mary's treasure. Have you ever had something that was very precious to you? Maybe it had some emotional experience attached to it or was given to her by her parents. Regardless, she broke it and anointed Jesus with it. She let go of it. Her precious oil was used to anoint He who she found more precious.
We all have jars of oil. The question is can we give them up to Jesus.

Answer 5

I think its greatest spiritual significance is what Christ Himself said about it, why he told the men not to stop her. Being God incanrnate, He knew what was coming. He really did. Go read it and see what you think. Pay special attention to the other people's reactions to it, a well as what Jesus says. Go have a look. It's not a long passage. Read it and reread it two or three times, so you really see what's in there.

Answer 6

I believe it was extravagant worship on her part. That perfume must have cost a fortune and it was most likely bought with the wages from her sins.
It was costly and she gave it willingly because she knew how much she was forgiven. Those who are forgiven much love much. She was so grateful and thankful for His mercy , grace, and love. She just couldn't help herself.
I think she got the revelation that true worship will cost us something. That which costs us nothing isn't really worship or worthy of Him. King David said as much when he said he wouldn't sacrifice something that cost him nothing.

Answer 7

It is what it is. A beautiful gesture by this woman to anoint Jesus with a precious perfume. No hidden meaning.

Answer 8

You answered your own question. She was anointing Jesus for His death.