How to show extravagant love for Jesus?
In what ways can we show extravagant love for Jesus today?

Extravagant love in context

“a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume … poured it on His head” (Matthew 26:7). A full year’s wages flowed out in a moment, simply to honor Jesus. She held nothing back—and neither should we.


Extravagant worship: Pouring out our best

• Prioritize gathered worship; show up early, sing loud, engage heart and mind.

• Guard a daily rhythm of personal adoration—sing, journal, kneel before Him.

• Offer talents (music, art, craftsmanship) solely for His fame, not applause.

• “let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15).


Extravagant obedience: Doing what He says

• Quick, joyful surrender in every decision, even when it costs.

• Radical honesty, sexual purity, financial integrity—no secret compartments.

• Forgive instantly, love enemies, bless those who curse.

• “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).


Extravagant generosity: Giving beyond comfort

• Budget to give first; live on the rest.

• Surprise others with anonymous gifts that meet real needs.

• Sponsor missionaries, widows, orphans—ongoing, not one-time.

• “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).


Extravagant service: Loving people He loves

• Volunteer where no one notices—nursery, cleaning, nursing homes.

• Seek out the “least of these” locally and globally; treat them as Christ.

• Integrate service into family life so children learn generosity early.

• “Whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40).


Extravagant witness: Telling His story

• Speak of Jesus naturally in everyday conversation; pray for open doors.

• Share personal testimony online; leverage creativity to proclaim gospel.

• Support Bible translation, church planting, evangelistic outreaches.

• “Let your light shine before men … see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16).


Extravagant devotion: Living at His feet

• Guard unhurried time in Scripture and prayer; schedule it like you would a meeting.

• Practice silence and listening—give Him room to speak.

• Keep a gratitude list; celebrate answered prayer.

• “Mary… sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message” (Luke 10:39).


Extravagant compassion: Actions that cost

• Take in foster children, adopt, mentor at-risk youth.

• Open your table weekly to strangers, internationals, students.

• Volunteer in crisis-pregnancy centers, homeless shelters, prison ministry.

• “faith … if it does not result in action, is dead” (James 2:17).


Extravagant surrender: Whole-life offering

• Hold career, reputation, and future plans loosely.

• Relocate or change jobs if He directs; nothing is untouchable.

• “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).


Putting it into practice

• Ask, “What’s my alabaster jar?” Identify the costliest thing I cling to.

• Start small but intentional: one bold act of worship, one gift, one step of obedience.

• Revisit the story regularly; let her example recalibrate what “normal” love looks like.

How does Matthew 26:7 connect to other acts of devotion in Scripture?
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