I heard an interesting perspective on the woman who poured perfume over Jesus, just days before he rode into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday.
Just days before Palm Sunday, Jesus Christ was dining in Bethany when a woman—identified in one account as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus—approached Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus, anointing Him in an act of deep devotion and honor. Some who were present, including Judas Iscariot, criticized her, arguing the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus defended her, saying she had done a beautiful thing and had anointed His body beforehand for burial. He declared that wherever the gospel is preached, what she had done would also be told in memory of her—turning this quiet act of love into a lasting testimony of sacrificial worship (see accounts in Gospel of John 12:1–8 and Gospel of Mark 14:3–9). 🌿✝️
What if?
What if there was something deeper happening in that moment?
What if she understood something others did not?
What if the woman knew, Kings were anointed with oil?
What if the woman knew, Royal Courts were filled with fragrance?
What if the woman knew, Fragrance symbolized honor and worth?
What if the woman knew, Fragrance was linked to sacrifice and worship?
What if the woman knew, Jesus should smell like a King?
The “Kingship” of Jesus was like no other. Jesus was not the King the people were expecting. He didn’t ride in on a white horse. He was meek. He was humble. He did not exude personal dominance. He did not have political power. He was defined by humility, service and sacrifice. The Kingship of Jesus is Spiritual Kingdom rather than the kingship of an earthly king.
And yet, Jesus was anointed like a King.
In biblical times tradition The aroma of the oil symbolized the presence of God and the setting apart of a King for a sacred role. The scents symbolized dignity, celebration and royal status. The perfume demonstrated great honor that was shown to a king. Fragrance symbolizes purity and acceptance before God – connecting kingship, worship and holiness.
And yet, Jesus was rejected.
But when Jesus entered Jerusalem, something lingered in the air.
- The Scent of devotion
- The Scent of Sacrifice
- The Scent of a King
Jesus smelled like a King.