The alabaster jar is associated with the account of a woman anointing Jesus, recorded in all four Gospels, with the most detailed version in Matthew 26:6–13, Mark 14:3–9, Luke 7:36–50, and John 12:1–8. These accounts describe different settings and possibly different women, but all involve a costly expression of devotion using an alabaster vessel.
In Matthew and Mark, a woman came to Jesus at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany. She brought an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, likely spikenard, and poured it on Jesus’ head as He sat at the table (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3). Some present were indignant, saying the oil could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus said, “She has done a good work for Me… For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial” (Matthew 26:10–12). He added that wherever the gospel is preached, what she had done would be told in memory of her (Matthew 26:13).
In Luke’s Gospel, a sinful woman brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, wept at Jesus’ feet, washed them with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them (Luke 7:37–38). Jesus used the moment to teach about forgiveness, explaining that her great love revealed her awareness of her great forgiveness. He said, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:48–50).
In John 12, six days before the Passover, Mary the sister of Lazarus anointed Jesus’ feet with costly oil of spikenard, using her hair to wipe His feet. Judas Iscariot objected, citing the expense, but Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial” (John 12:7).
The alabaster jar and its costly contents symbolize worship, sacrifice, and love. The breaking and pouring out of the oil picture total devotion and foreshadow Christ’s own sacrificial death. These acts highlight the value of honoring Christ above all else and demonstrate how true worship flows from a heart of faith and gratitude.