Have you ever been so captivated by a moment that everything else faded away? The worries of yesterday, the uncertainties of tomorrow—all dissolved in the awe of what was right in front of you? Perhaps it was a breathtaking sunrise, the first steps of a child, or a melody so moving it brought tears to your eyes. In those moments, time stands still, and we are fully present, overwhelmed by beauty and wonder.
In Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8, we encounter Mary of Bethany in one of those sacred moments. She isn’t calculating the cost of her actions or worrying about the opinions of others. She is wholly focused on Jesus, so captivated by His presence that she responds with an act of extravagant love. She breaks open a jar of perfume worth a year’s wages and pours it over Jesus’ feet. To some, it seemed wasteful. To Jesus, it was beautiful.
Mary’s Act of Extravagant Love
Mary’s act was not just generous—it was radical. The perfume she poured out was worth 300 denarii, equivalent to a year’s wages. Imagine someone today giving up an entire year’s salary in one act of worship. It was costly, sacrificial, and deeply personal.
But not everyone understood. The disciples, led by Judas, questioned her actions. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor” (Matthew 26:8-9). On the surface, their concern seemed valid. After all, Jesus Himself had taught about caring for the poor and marginalized. But Jesus saw something deeper in Mary’s act. He saw worship.
Why Judas Missed the Point
Judas’ question sounded reasonable, but his heart was far from righteous. John 12:6 reveals that Judas didn’t truly care about the poor—he was stealing from the money bag. His focus was on the monetary value of the perfume, not the spiritual significance of the moment.
Mary, on the other hand, saw Jesus. She wasn’t calculating the cost; she was counting His worth. She understood that this was a unique opportunity to honor Him before His death. Jesus affirmed her actions, saying, “She has done a beautiful thing to me… Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Matthew 26:10, 13).
What Mary’s Worship Teaches Us
Mary’s story is a powerful lesson in what it means to worship Jesus with our whole hearts. Here are three key truths we can take away:
1. True Worship is Rooted in Love, Not Calculation
Mary didn’t pour out her perfume because she felt obligated or expected something in return. She gave out of love and awe for Jesus. Her act was a natural overflow of a heart captivated by His presence.
In our own lives, worship isn’t about checking boxes or meeting expectations. It’s about responding to who Jesus is and what He has done for us. When we truly love Him, giving to Him never feels like a waste—it feels like an honor.
2. Worship Redefines Value
To the world, Mary’s perfume was a valuable possession. To Mary, it was an offering. In the presence of Jesus, earthly treasures pale in comparison to His worth. Worship shifts our perspective, helping us see what truly matters.
What are we holding onto that seems valuable but pales in comparison to Jesus? Whether it’s money, time, or our own plans, worship challenges us to surrender it all at His feet.
3. Worship Transforms Us
Mary’s act wasn’t just a moment of devotion—it was a life-changing surrender. When we worship Jesus with our whole hearts, it reshapes our priorities, our values, and our lives. True worship isn’t confined to a Sunday morning; it’s a way of life.
As Romans 12:1-2 reminds us, worship is about offering ourselves as living sacrifices. It’s about being transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
A Challenge for Us
Mary’s story challenges us to examine our own worship. Are we holding back, worried about the cost or what others might think? Or are we pouring out our best, our most valuable, at the feet of Jesus?
True worship may look excessive to the world, but to those who see Jesus for who He truly is, it is the most beautiful and meaningful act of all. Let us, like Mary, be so captivated by Christ that our worship becomes an extravagant offering of love—one that transforms us and brings glory to His name.
