Through the Bible: MarkSample

An Act of Pure Worship

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3 (NIV)

Mark 14 gives us the story of Mary of Bethany, who washed Jesus’ feet with spikenard, an expensive red oil, and then dried His feet with her hair.

Notice the contrast between Mary and Judas. In the act of pure worship, Mary pours out on Jesus the most precious thing she owns, while Judas the thief complains that this sacrifice was wasted on Jesus!

See also that Jesus entrusted the money bag to Judas even when He knew Judas would steal from it. What has Jesus entrusted to you? Do not think that it is a sign of His favor because Christ has entrusted power, authority, riches, or anointing to you. Instead, this is a strong reminder and encouragement that whatever we give to the Lord in service, sacrifice, suffering, or material possessions, is also an act of worship.

Prayer

May we pour out our lives for our Lord Jesus Christ, and in doing so, may the fragrance of our sacrifice fill the hearts of all we touch for God’s glory. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.