A woman came up to him, having with her a very costly oil in an alabaster flask. And while Jesus was reclining at the table, she poured the oil on his head.
In this verse the event of the anointing begins, a symbolic scene of boundless love and worship. The woman, whose name is not mentioned here, comes to Jesus not with words but with an action, bringing the most precious thing she has. The alabaster jar, made from pure stone, held a costly fragrant oil, usually used only on important and sacred occasions. The woman’s act may appear outwardly to be simply a devoted gesture, but in truth it carried deep spiritual meaning: she recognizes Jesus’ divine dignity and offers an expression of love toward Him without holding back. This account shows that true love does not measure its gift, but gives everything, keeping nothing back. This act was also deeply prophetic: Jesus would soon be crucified and buried, and this anointing was like a preparation for His burial.