Worshiping God is one of the most central and basic aspects of the Christian life. The Bible is filled with songs and poems dedicated to worshiping God. Worship in Scripture is more than just singing; it is about praising God for who He is and what He has done. It happens when we recognize God as God – when we’re in awe of His character and His provision.
Extravagant Worship is a heart transformed that expresses itself regardless of cost. Looking at Mary’s act, it was an exclusive action for a specific event; an anointing that awaited Jesus’ burial and a public assertion of faith in Him as Saviour.
Looking at this present time, we can surely tell that Jesus was telling the truth when He said we will always have the poor among us, but we will not always have Him (John 12:8). Despite others’ objections to Mary’s act, Jesus was pleased and appreciated Mary for her selfless act of worship. The core of worshiping Christ is to honour Him with the greatest love, respect and devotion and to be enthusiastic to sacrifice what is most valuable.
Jesus valued Mary’s heart and sacrifice more than He valued the actual perfume. This passage can help us examine our intentions with money (materialistic possessions) and our interactions with Jesus. We should be seeking to glorify God in everything we do. During this time of closeness to God, may we be Christians who truly express their sincere worship to God – even if it costs us.
As we continue focusing on Holy week, let us pause, meditate and reflect on these questions:
- Why does Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume prompt Judas’ criticism?
- How does this story challenge us to examine our own attitude towards extravagant acts of worship and devotion?
May we be worshipers who will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).