THE WEEK THAT SHOOK HISTORY: A 7-Day Easter Devotion by AussieDave AdamsonSample

The Anointing - What Did Jesus Smell Like?

What did Jesus smell like?

Yes, it's a weird question, but stay with me so I can show you something amazing about Jesus' final week on earth.

In the week before He was crucified, Jesus met a woman who poured an entire bottle of expensive perfume on His feet, and then wiped it with her hair. According to the story, the smell of that perfume filled the house they were in—which would have reminded the people in the house of royalty.

See, theologian Lois Tverberg points out: "In the Middle East, the majesty of a king was expressed not only in what he wore, but in his royal aroma."

Kings always smelled like perfume!

It's interesting that the Hebrew word we translate as "aroma" is "reyach" (ריח pronounced "ray-akh"), which comes from a root word meaning a "sacrifice to God"...which is exactly what this woman did! By sacrificing her perfume to Jesus, she ensured that for the final week of His life—even during His crucifixion—Jesus smelled like a king!

And that smell would have been on her too! She humbled herself to serve, and as a result, people would have smelt royalty approaching whenever she walked by.

While some were making secret deals, she was pouring out everything. Your response to Jesus reveals everything about you.

Likewise, when the world sees followers of Jesus loving and serving people, we remind them of what it's like to be close to our King.

Will your actions remind people what Jesus is like today?

Reflection Question: What is your most precious possession (material or non-material)? How willing would you be to "pour it out" for Jesus if He asked?

Action Step: Choose one thing of value to you (time, a talent, a possession) and find a way to use it this week to honor Jesus by serving someone else.

Prayer: Father, my heart can both love You and turn away from You. Keep me from the small compromises that lead to bigger ones. Forgive me when I've put other things ahead of You or counted the cost of following You. Help me worship You like that woman who gave her most precious gift. May my life please You, no matter what others think. Amen.