The Story of the Alabaster Flask

A few years ago, I was involved in a women's ministry. One of the topics we covered was the story of a woman anointing Jesus in the book of Luke 7:36-50. This story was very powerful for me in that here was this amazing woman. A woman that had led a life of sin, bravely comes into the the Pharisee's house and starts washing Jesus' feet with her tears and her hair. She continues to kiss his feet and anoint him with a very precious oil. This fragrant perfume is in an alabaster flask and is worth more than she makes in one year. It's incredibly expensive. There is humility and devotion in the woman's act of service, as well as a great deal of courage, as she performed the deed in front of a crowd that knew her as a sinner. Although the woman does not say a word in the entire account, her actions speak volumes about her contrite heart. In the end, Jesus says to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

There are two things I take away from this story. One is the courage she shows in her faith. Stepping out of our comfort zone brings us closer to God and provides peace. However, I also find a powerful metaphor in comparing myself to that alabaster flask. It's made up of soft stone to preserve the quality of the precious and expensive perfume. However, once it is broken, it is never to be used again. Breaking the flask allows the perfume to utilized, and that is where the real treasure lies. My real self, my precious gift flows freely for the world to see only if I allow the flask to be broken. It allows me to soak up the knowledge of Jesus Christ at His feet and take a step of faith.