Scripture

“She has poured perfume on the me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deeds will be remembered and discussed.”

Observation

The leading priests and elders start plotting to capture and kill Jesus. But they don’t want to do it during the Passover for fear of a riot.

Jesus is in Bethany, where a woman comes in with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume which she pours over Jesus’ head. The disciples are indignant at this extravagant waste. Jesus tells them that she has done a good thing, effectively preparing his body for burial. What she has done will be remembered all over the world.

Judas then goes to the priests to offer to betrayed Jesus.

Application

Everything is coming together for the crucifixion. The priests are plotting. Judas is ready to hand Jesus over. This woman, in an active extravagant worship, is preparing Jesus’ body for burial.

There are always people who want to limit how the church may worship the Lord. They see expressions of love as a waste of limited resources.

Other people don’t count the cost. They just want to love on Jesus without restraint.

The fact is that God will supply all that we need to express our love for Him. If he calls you to donate generously, even recklessly, to a mission or to a church, you can be sure that he will look after you and provide more than enough for you.

I experienced this when we first started our church. We literally had nothing, but we were able to feed our family, furnish our building, and give generously to other ministries. I have seen this pattern reproduced in other people over the years .

Prayer

Father, thank you so much for your provision and for the great gift of salvation. Please help me to give back to you as generously and as extravagantly as this woman in Bethany. Amen .