What’s It Worth To You?

Maria I. MorganUnderstanding God's Plan, Understanding God's Truth

What’s It Worth To You?


I’m a fragrance girl. I love all different kinds of scents – from the fresh, invigorating ones, to those with floral notes – it’s always a treat to add a new perfume to my assortment. But the price has to be right. Admittedly, I’m a bargain shopper; always on the hunt for the best deal.  

Can you imagine owning a bottle of perfume valued at an entire year’s salary? Me either. But if I did, I’m sure I would use it sparingly and only on very special occasions. Or I’d look into selling it and investing the money in something less frivolous. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, chose to use her expensive perfume in a much different way.

The alabaster box


Jesus was in Bethany at Simon’s house, several days before the Passover. I imagine the house was full of people and activity. No doubt the disciples were listening to Jesus and talking among themselves. Mary’s sister, Martha, was focused on hospitality and doing what she did best – serving. 

As the food was passed, Mary quietly entered the room with a beautiful alabaster box. The disciples probably didn’t notice her at first, but what she did next got their attention:

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.John 12:3

My study Bible describes this precious ointment, “Spikenard was a fragrant ointment imported from the mountains of India. Thus it was very expensive. The amount Mary used was worth a year’s wages.” (The Life Application Study Bible, KJV; p. 1830)

Wary and on guard


Mary’s devotion to Christ was no secret. She sat at his feet and listened to his teaching on previous occasions.  Now she was willing to give a costly sacrifice – one used in lavish worship.

But not everyone viewed her worship as worthwhile. Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus, thought Mary’s use of this expensive perfume was a waste. He voiced concern for the poor, when in reality he was consumed with greed:

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.John 12:5-6

Mary’s selfless act didn’t go unnoticed. Jesus defended her and commended her extravagant worship:

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me…8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.Mark 14:6, 8-9

Mary knew Jesus as her Messiah and was willing to give back to Him sacrificially. Now that’s beautiful worship.

Your turn


How is your worship? What step will you take today to make it lavish and extravagant?

Click to tweet

Can I pray for you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for this reminder that You are worthy of our worship. Forgive us for so often relegating it to something routine. Open our eyes to Your greatness and help us truly worship You. For who You are and all You do, we give you praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Leave a comment on my wall if this post helped you

Share this post with your friends