Daily Devo

Everyday Alabaster Jars

By: Kelly Russell

Monday, May 26, 2025

While Jesus was in Bethany…in the home of Simon the leper, …a woman arrived with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3 (ISV)

There is such richness in this story. Let’s explore God’s insights and allow this good seed to be rooted in our hearts and minds.

The Place:

This scene in Bethany, meaning “house of affliction”, took place in the home of Simon the leper, who likely had been healed by Jesus. Simon hosted a dinner shortly after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. These guests wouldn’t have entered unless Simon was clean, highlighting a backdrop of restoration.

The Woman:

She is identified as Mary of Bethany, Martha’s sister, who sat at the feet of Jesus, choosing worship over worry.

The Jar:

Alabaster is a soft stone used to carve items like lamps, jars, and other everyday objects. It becomes valuable as it’s formed and polished by the Master.

The Act:

The Greek word for "broke", syntribō, means crush or shatter. It was customary to anoint the head with a dab of oil but poured the entire contents on Jesus’ head.

The Nard:

This rare, costly oil was reserved for an honored guest or King. Its powerful aroma filled the room, with a long-lasting presence.

The Lessons:

We see the humanity of Jesus, joining Simon for a meal, as they enjoy fellowship surrounded with broken people. This brings to mind Psalm 8:4—"What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Mary came to present her treasured offering. The alabaster jar represents giving our best to God, through acts of service and gratitude. And the nard symbolizes the spiritual and physical healing available to us because of the love Jesus poured out on the cross. What other saw as foolish waste, Jesus saw as great worth.

We learn in this passage that this encounter was,

Personal: Jesus spent time cultivating relationships.

Prophetic: this anointing would prepare Jesus for burial.

Purposeful: an example of pure, undistracted worship.

One final point: every. single. detail. plays a part in our lives. Nothing is insignificant! Ask God to give you a heart like Mary's, to pursue the passion of your Savior, no matter the cost, no matter the conflict. You were created to be an honorable vessel, sanctified for the Master’s use.

Read: Numbers 18:29, Luke 10:38-39, Romans 5:5, 2 Corinthians 2:15, 2 Timothy 2:20-21