“Ointment” (oil NASB) (8081) and “perfume” (7004) give reference to the vast differences between our culture and ancient Israel. These refer to what we might consider “party favors.” When you had guests to dinner one of the rituals was anointing them with oil and perfume. This was common in Jesus’ time and is referred to by him.
(Luke 7:46 KJV) My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.If you walked up to your guest and started pouring smelly oil on his head he might punch you but in those days it showed respect and courtesy. Jesus was saying, “You showed me what you really thought about me, and so did she.”
So? Times change. Courtesy is expressed in different ways. The attitude is the same and we should be careful to show courtesy in whatever culture we live.
2 comments:
For the most part, I'm afraid that's a lost cause, my friend. Christians should do better than most, but many don't.
Remember the bumper sticker that stated, "Please be patient, God is still working on me." Remember that if the early church had been perfect we would not have the letters of Paul.
Grace and peace.
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