In Jesus’ time, there was little regard for women. The traditions and laws of the Jews were extremely hard on them. They were allowed to be in the Outer Court of the temple, so they could see and hear what was happening in the world. They would often listen to various teachers who came to speak. Still, they were considered second class citizens and often harshly judged. When Jesus came on the scene, that changed. The story today is applicable to women of today who feel oppressed or unworthy. To Jesus, we all have value.

My name is Martha. My father is a purveyor of aromatic herbs and oils. I often go with him to the marketplace where we sell his wares. It was another hot day in Jerusalem. We’d traveled for days in the heat to get there in time for our biggest sale day of the year. The Passover brought customers from many towns near and far. I hoped the ointments and oils would survive the intense weather.

As we set out our wares, my eyes remained focused on the beautiful brass gate that led into the area. It glowed in the morning sun. As the sun drifted across the rooftops, it looked like a city of gold. This was the temple built by Herod when Solomon’s temple had undergone destruction over many oppressing armies. It wasn’t nearly as beautiful as the original – which had been designed by God Himself. My father scolded me for daydreaming. He pointed me to the work at hand. I spread a woolen rug across our display table and gently placed the small tubs of fine spices we had to offer. The aroma was intoxicating. Then came the ointments for healing. These Hebrew men would be in need of healing for their parched skin from days in the desert. The oils would keep insects from attacking hair and beards. We were there to provide a service to these people and as my father would say, “The income from this week will provide for a whole year.”

As I dusted the desert sand off the containers, my ears were opened to all sorts of conversations. There was the political talk of the day. People were tired of being oppressed by the Romans, but it seemed to be a way of life for the Jews. Being enslaved as a nation was common to them. There was talk of a king who would come soon to defeat the Romans. Giddy laughter exploded from children as they played in the streets. Women gathered and chattered about the latest engagement or newborn child. Apparently, there was a man named Jesus, who was stirring up the crowds. He could’ve been accused of insurrection or treason. Still, He was allowed to speak. His name was Jesus. He arrived in the city. followed by his inner circle of men, and a huge crowd.

Jesus was just an ordinary man. In fact, He wasn’t much to look at, but He exhibited great strength. He seemed angry that there were so many merchants making use of the temple grounds to sell their products. For us, the herbs had to be grown and collected, then pressed into oil. It was a difficult, time-consuming ordeal, but those herbs and oils were necessary to alleviate the results of illness and the ravages of desert living. Many of our products were used in the burial process. When he came to our display, Jesus turned His eyes to me. It was as if He was saying He would have need of these things. He then moved on.

I will never forget the look in His eyes as He approached our table. He had a compassion I’d never before seen. He displayed confidence and purpose. It looked as though He had a great mission ahead of Him. As He passed us. I could tell He was a king, but not the kind that was expected. He was a righteous king – a kind king – a forgiving king – a king who wanted to dwell with His people – a king who would die for them – even me.