Scripture

Then Mary took a 12 ounce (300 g) jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

Observation

Six days before Passover, Jesus comes to Bethany where He had previously raised Lazarus from the dead. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, takes a bottle of expensive perfume. She pours it out over Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair. The whole house is filled with the smell of the perfume.

Judas iscariot complains that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. It was worth a year’s wages.

But Jesus rebukes Judas. He says Mary has done a beautiful thing, a preparation for his burial.

Application

Reckless devotion to Jesus is never a bad thing.

True worship is demonstrative. Our emotions should show when our hearts are in tune with Jesus. We may not pour out perfume in His honour, but we will want to express our love for Him through song, words, raised hands, dance, or some other way.

True worship will cost us something. Worship is not about mere words, although words are important. It is not about turning up on Sunday.

When we worship from the heart,our attitudes and priorities will change. It is no longer about what we want to do, but about surrendering to God’s will. Our money and time become surrendered to God, and we find ourselves blessed with a generous spirit that wants to give to others and to God’s work.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I love you. Let my whole life be surrendered to worshipping you. Amen.