The account of the woman with the alabaster jar is a significant event in the New Testament, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This narrative highlights themes of repentance, worship, and the acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and mission.

Scriptural Accounts

1. Matthew 26:6-13 : "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, 'Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.' Aware of this, Jesus said to them, 'Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.'"

2. Mark 14:3-9 : "While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on His head. Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.' And they scolded her. But Jesus said, 'Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me. She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial. And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.'"

3. Luke 7:36-50 : "Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!' But Jesus answered him, 'Simon, I have something to tell you.' 'Tell me, Teacher,' he said. 'Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?' 'I suppose the one who was forgiven more,' Simon replied. 'You have judged correctly,' Jesus said. And turning to the woman, He said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house, and you gave Me no water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.' Then Jesus said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.' But those at the table began to say to themselves, 'Who is this who even forgives sins?' And Jesus told the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'"

Cultural and Historical Context

The alabaster jar, often made from a fine-grained stone, was a container used to hold precious ointments or perfumes. The perfume, identified as pure nard in Mark's account, was highly valuable, indicating the woman's significant sacrifice and devotion. The act of anointing Jesus with such an expensive substance was a profound expression of honor and reverence.

Theological Significance

The woman's actions are interpreted as an act of worship and recognition of Jesus' impending death and burial. Jesus' defense of her actions against the criticism of the disciples underscores the importance of spiritual insight over material concerns. The narrative also emphasizes the theme of forgiveness and redemption, as seen in Luke's account, where Jesus acknowledges the woman's faith and forgives her sins.

Interpretations and Reflections

The account of the woman with the alabaster jar has been the subject of various interpretations throughout Christian history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of gratitude and love that flows from the experience of forgiveness. The woman's act is seen as a model of selfless devotion and an example of the proper response to the grace and mercy offered by Christ.