Easter time is filled with some
wonderful aromas.
The smells of spring, a baked ham, or Easter lilies at this time of year are all enjoyable... and encouraging too.
But there's something else that's noteworthy about the aromas of this season...
The Easter story itself features a number of powerful and pleasing aromatic substances.
For example, before Jesus was crucified, He was anointed with spikenard oil (John 12:3).
This oil from India has a strong aroma. In biblical times
it was regarded as extremely valuable, and was only used for significant occasions.
Also, when Jesus was on the cross, he was offered wine mixed with myrrh oil (Mark 15:23).
This combination was known for its narcotic effect, lessening the suffering from pain.
And finally, after His death, Jesus's body was prepared for burial with a 75 pound mixture of aloes (which is sandalwood) and myrrh (John 19:39).
This mixture
would have provided an exceptional aroma, and its use would have been a way of showing honor to the crucified Savior.
The use of these aromatics in the story of Christ's death and resurrection make a couple or strong points.
For one, it shows that the use of aromatic substances – like essential oils – are not just a passing fad that's popular in our day. They have a very long history.
Not only that, the use of aromatics in the Easter story also shows their value. That's
because these oils were all used as an expression of love and honor by those who followed the Lord Jesus.
What a privilege it is to be able to enjoy the same aromas today!
Happy Easter!
