How does this passage challenge our priorities in serving Christ? Setting the Scene “a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, and she poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table.” (Matthew 26:7) An Extravagant Act That Reveals the Heart • The perfume’s value equaled a year’s wages (Mark 14:5), showing that serving Christ is worth costly devotion. • She held nothing back—echoing David’s resolve: “I will not offer to the LORD … that which cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). • Her priority: honor Jesus, not preserve her savings. Prioritizing Presence over Practicality • Others criticized the “waste” (Matthew 26:8–9; John 12:4–6), but Jesus called it “a beautiful thing” (Matthew 26:10). • Service to Christ flows from love, not cold calculation. • Compare Mary of Bethany choosing to sit at His feet while Martha worried over tasks (Luke 10:38–42). The Call to Costly Worship • Romans 12:1—our bodies are to be “a living sacrifice.” • Philippians 3:8—Paul counts “all things as loss” compared with knowing Christ. • Matthew 6:19–21—invest treasure in heaven; where the treasure is, the heart follows. Serving Christ Now, Not Later • “She has done this to prepare Me for burial.” (Matthew 26:12). Her timely act mattered because the cross was imminent. • Hebrews 3:13—encourages daily faithfulness. • James 4:14—life is a vapor; opportunities pass quickly. A Legacy of Devotion • “Wherever this gospel is preached … what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13). • 1 Corinthians 15:58—labor in the Lord is never in vain. • He immortalizes wholehearted service, not half-hearted efforts. Practical Takeaways for Today • Evaluate where time, money, and energy go; adjust to put Christ first. • Give Him your best, not leftovers. • Serve even when misunderstood; Jesus defends sincere devotion. • Act promptly on Spirit-led opportunities—tomorrow may be too late. |
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