How can we emulate the woman's devotion to Jesus in our daily lives? Setting the Scene: A Fragrant Act of Worship “By pouring this perfume on My body, she has prepared Me for burial.” (Matthew 26:12) What We Notice in Her Moment • She believed Jesus’ words about His coming death and acted on them. • She offered something costly—pure nard worth nearly a year’s wages (John 12:3). • She ignored criticism (Matthew 26:8-9) and kept her focus on Him. • She seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; Jesus said, “You will not always have Me” (26:11). • Her devotion produced a lasting testimony—“wherever this gospel is preached… what she has done will also be told” (26:13). Timeless Principles We Can Live Out • Give Christ our very best, not leftovers. Like Abel’s firstborn offerings (Genesis 4:4). • Offer worship that costs us something—time, resources, reputation (2 Samuel 24:24). • Act promptly on truth we already know; delayed obedience can miss the moment (James 4:17). • Accept that wholehearted devotion may draw misunderstanding, yet Jesus’ approval outweighs man’s applause (Galatians 1:10). • Fix our eyes on His sacrificial love; He valued us enough to die, so nothing is too valuable to lay at His feet (Romans 8:32). Scripture Threads That Echo Her Example • Romans 12:1—“present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Philippians 3:8—Paul counts “all things as loss” compared to knowing Christ. • 2 Corinthians 2:15—our lives become “the fragrance of Christ” in the world. • Luke 7:47—“her many sins have been forgiven; hence she loved much.” Practical Ways to Pour Out Our Perfume Each Day Daily Time—give Him unhurried moments in Scripture and prayer before anything else. Quiet Generosity—support gospel work or help someone in need without seeking credit. Words of Praise—speak of Jesus openly, turning ordinary conversations into worship. Hidden Obedience—follow a prompting from His Word even when no one sees. Creative Skill—use talents (music, craftsmanship, leadership) to spotlight Christ’s beauty. Courageous Stance—choose holiness when peers compromise, accepting possible criticism. Servant Heart—wash “feet” today by meeting practical needs (John 13:14-15). A Final Word of Encouragement The alabaster jar was broken only once, but its fragrance filled the house and the story of redemption forever. Each day holds a fresh jar for us; as we break it open in costly, joyful surrender, the aroma of Christ reaches our homes, workplaces, and a world hungry for the scent of heaven. |
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