He Knows Your NameSýnishorn

He Knows Your Sacrifice

In Luke 7 we read about another nameless woman who makes a scene in the home of a Pharisee. Jesus is attending a banquet at the Pharisee’s house and finds Himself intentionally snubbed, as the standard greetings of hospitality are withheld from Him. This woman, labeled only as “sinful” (v. 37), notices how He is rejected and decides to act.

She takes a brave step forward, sacrificing both her costly oil and her own reputation, as the scornful crowd begins to whisper about this brazen act. There are layers to this powerful story, but let me simply say this: her sacrifice was costly, but it was seen and rewarded by the One person in the room who mattered most.

Some days I wonder if anyone notices the sacrifices I make. I have a feeling you can relate. We sacrifice sleep, money, praise, time, desires, preferences, and being right, and some days we just want someone to take notice.

Today, take heart. Jesus notices.

He knows about the sleep you give up because a child needs comforting or the house needs cleaning. He knows you stay awake a little longer or wake up a little earlier to go the extra mile at work or to bake something for a friend recently home from the hospital. He knows.

He knows the sacrifice you’ve made as you guard your mouth. The way you honor others and are a safe space for another’s pain. The way you choose to speak life even though you are tempted to gossip. He sees the arguments you could win, but choose to bow out of, for the sake of the relationship. He sees the sacrifice and He knows.

He sees the burdens you carry. The aging parent you care for faithfully and the words you pray for others daily. He knows how you continue to love the family member who hurled hurtful words your way. He sees.

And He sees the choices you are making with your finances. The decision to wait rather than purchase on impulse. He sees your generosity and the impact your dollars make in a country across the ocean.

Your sacrifice is not in vain. It does not go unnoticed. In fact, it is our sacrifice that is called a pleasing aroma to God. He notices what goes unnoticed by others, and He calls it a soothing and pleasing gift to Him.