Friday--rework alabaster jar

While reading in the New Testament, I came across the story of the woman with the alabaster jar of ointment.  This struck me.  Partly because I'd never heard the story and partly because I think it applies to all of us.  This reminded me of the story in Luke about the woman who annointed Jesus' feet with ointment and her tears.  There's a painting in the Louvre of this story.  That was one of my favorites.  She's using her long hair to wash his feet.  

At any rate, I want to paint the other story.  To me, her ointment represents our faith, works, talents, whatever we can give to the Lord.  Anything that is precious, that we choose to sacrifice.  After doing some reading about what the alabaster jar really was, I was even more intrigued.  In biblical times, people would purchase these small vessels that were made of alabaster (a porous marble) filled with strong perfume.  The jars were not meant to be opened, but rather would slowly release the perfume through the alabaster, over time.  Because the perfume was expensive, these were precious items.  That's why the disciples were astonished that she broke it and used it to anoint Christ.  To me, I picture this woman learning about Jesus and probably hearing him speak.  I picture her in the moment she first believes that Jesus is the Messiah.    I see her picking up the jar and taking it to the dinner.  And I see her feeling hesitant and unsure if it will be well received.  In the instant I read the passage, I felt the parallel.  Our own acts that show our faith.  Our fears about whether our gifts are worthy to be received.  And ultimately that anything that is precious to us that we then give to the Lord, is worthy to the Lord. 

So, this study is just the head.  You can't see that she is holding the jar.  I think I will show her though a door frame, inside her house.  In a quiet moment.