You Could Still Smell The Perfume

Apr 13

What was Jesus thinking about during his last week of life?

What was He thinking about on the cross?

We know some small snippets: He agonized, He served His friends, He mourned over the sin in the church and outside of it. He felt betrayed; He asked God why, He submitted His will. He felt alone; He taught incredible principles, His eye was on eternity, and… it’s hard to imagine He wasn’t thinking about how He smelled.

On Monday of Holy Week, four nights before He’d be crucified - Mary anointed Jesus with enough oil to cost a year’s salary. Of course, he’d already told the disciples He would be crucified, and He went so far as to declare that she was anointing Him for burial - but still, they didn’t understand.

I heard a friend mention recently that theologians conjecture with that much oil poured lovingly and worshipfully on His head, Jesus would have smelled like a king for the entire week leading up to His death. He may have even been able to smell the perfume on the cross.

Mary’s interactions with Jesus were so incredible, so specific, but here’s what I’m taking from that story this week:

My worship of Jesus, my personal communication + connection with Him, matters.

Even this week, where we communally + corporately celebrate His death and resurrection, the way that I pour out my devotion to Him matters. To me, and Him.

Take it too far in worshipping Jesus this week.