How does Mark 14:3 demonstrate sacrificial giving in our daily lives today? Setting the Scene “While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on His head.” (Mark 14:3) What Made the Gift Sacrificial? • Costly – worth about 300 denarii, roughly a year’s wages • Irrevocable – the jar was broken; no going back once poured • Timely – given just days before the cross, seizing a once-in-a-lifetime moment • Christ-focused – aimed solely at honoring Jesus, not meeting any human need • Counter-cultural – offered despite criticism (vv. 4-5) and misunderstanding Timeless Principles for Us Today 1. True giving costs us something (2 Samuel 24:24). 2. Love—not obligation—must drive the gift (1 Corinthians 13:3). 3. We act while the opportunity exists (John 12:35). 4. Wholehearted devotion “breaks the jar,” holding nothing in reserve (Romans 12:1). 5. Approval from Christ outweighs human opinion (Colossians 3:23-24). Practical Ways to Live It Out • Finances: budget generosity first, not last; give until it reshapes priorities. • Time: trade personal leisure for serving, mentoring, visiting the lonely. • Talents: offer professional skills to ministry without charge. • Possessions: open your home, vehicle, or tools for kingdom use. • Reputation: side with biblical truth even when unpopular. • Emotional energy: pour compassion into the hurting when it’s inconvenient. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Widow’s mites—small but costly (Luke 21:1-4). • “A fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) • “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) Sacrificial giving today mirrors the woman’s act in Bethany: costly, wholehearted, timely, and offered for the honor of Jesus alone. |
    |