Angels Rest Studios

The continuing story of Jesus, as seen through my paintings, continues this Wednesday night at Silverdale Lutheran Church (6:45 p.m.).

"The Alabaster Jar"
MATTHEW 26:6-13 The Anointing at Bethany.

The Gospel of Matthew, along with John and Mark, connects the Anointing of Jesus at Bethany with true discipleship and the foretelling of Jesus' death. John's Gospel puts a name to the woman who anointed Jesus helping me to imagine the hands of "Mary" anointing the feet of Jesus.

I was inspired by the incredible love Mary had for Jesus and I imagined how she would have cared for the alabaster jar until she sacrificed its contents in a true act of discipleship. This willingness of Mary to sacrifice "treasure" for the sake of love caused me to think about what I have and how willing I would be to sacrifice something of value for someone I profess to love.

As I journeyed towards the completion of this painting I thought about my willingness to demonstrate the kind of sacrifice Mary made even in the face of ridicule. I thought about the courage it takes to openly show this kind of love.

The Alabaster Jar is lying on the floor because all of Mary's attention is now on her Lord.