“Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:10 & 13
When I was reading this passage of Matthew a few weeks ago I thought it unfortunate that the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ head was never named. She was only called “this woman.” I wondered why. If one is going to be remembered throughout the annals of history.., if it were me anyway, I would prefer my name to be mentioned (first, middle and last name in fact). After pondering this for a few moments the Holy Spirit spoke to me about “this woman” but as is often the case, I didn’t really care for what he had to say.
Am I, would I or could I be content being “this woman.” Am I, would I or could I serve, love and honor God and everyone around me anonymously. Would I be willing to honor Jesus and sacrifice everything for Him if I would never be given credit? As if these challenges weren’t enough I then had this Holy Spirit inspired thought: What about my husband? Would I be willing to serve, love and bless him as unto the Lord without any thanks, without him noticing and acknowledging all my sacrifice? Lord knows I love to do things so my husband knows I love and care for him but if he doesn’t say thank you or if I don’t think he appreciated it, I get upset/hurt. THIS WOMAN likes recognition! Of course we all like to be thanked and appreciated but the lesson for me from “this woman” is to evaluate the authenticity of my heart and my motives. “D ear Lord, thank you that living life for you and truly honoring you is not about Laura Sandretti . Thank you that you call each of us to humble ourselves in our hearts to be willing to be like “this woman” who did not need recognition or a thank you or an award. “This woman” just wanted to honor you in all that she did and she did it only out of love for you. Help me to be that woman and not crave recognition, praise and accolades for all that I do for you; if I struggle with that notion, perhaps I not doing it for you to begin with after all. Help me to desire only to honor you in the way I love and serve you, my family and everyone around me. In Your Name, Amen.”