What are you willing to pay up for? This is a question pastor Michael asked us as he began his sermon this last Sunday. We are willing to pay up for all kinds of things like specialty coffee, vacations, and one of a kind experiences. We willingly sacrifice for things we view as worthy or valuable. When we consider who Jesus is and what He’s done for us, we understand He is worthy of everything we have. Mark 14:1-11 shows us that Jesus is worthy of every sacrifice and our complete devotion.

Two days before the Passover, Jesus came to the house of Simon the leper, where He and His disciples enjoyed a meal together. In this scene, we find a stark contrast between the devotion of Mary and the betrayal of Judas. While Jesus was reclining with His disciples, Mary anointed Jesus with an expensive perfume (see also John 12:1-7). Though the perfume was very expensive and likely precious to Mary, she considered Jesus far more worthy. This one act communicated Mary’s devotion to and love for Jesus above everything else.

The company surrounding Jesus, particularly Judas (John 12:4-5), considered Mary’s offering a waste. They believed the perfume should have been sold and the profits given to the poor. John informs readers that Judas had a habit of stealing from their moneybag (John 12:6). It is no surprise, then, that Judas would soon betray Jesus for a little bit of money. In response to His company, Jesus rebuked them for criticizing Mary’s act of devotion and love. In this passage, Mary serves as a model of true devotion to Jesus while Judas serves as a picture of a heart that values the things of this world more than Jesus. Mary valued Jesus about everything else, and Judas used Jesus to gain what he truly valued.

In Michael’s sermon, he reminded us that proximity to Jesus doesn’t ensure devotion to Jesus. Devotion to Jesus begins with treasuring Him above everything. May God help us to follow Mary’s example and treasure Jesus above everything, living a life of extravagant devotion to Him. Jesus is infinitely worthy.

Resources:

• How Many Times Was Jesus Anointed? – Troy Lacey

• Mutiny Against The Messiah – Johnathon Bowers

• They Were No Fools: The Martyrdom of Jim Elliot and Four Other Missionaries – Justin Taylor

Reflection Questions:

• What is Jesus worth to you?

• How are you seeking to treasure Jesus above everything else?

• How can you pursue a greater devotion to Jesus?