Sunday, May 14
Wasted on Jesus
Scripture: 1 Samuel 27-28, Mark 14
Mark 14:4–5 But some who were present indignantly said to one another, “Why this waste of expensive ointment? 5 It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor!” So they spoke angrily to her.
Observation
When Mary poured out on Jesus an entire bottle of expensive perfume, worth a year’s wages for a working man, the disciples protested, calling it a waste. They argued the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor—no doubt a beneficial use of the perfume. Jesus corrected them and commended the woman, ultimately memorializing her and her generous and sacrificial act of worship.
I was struck by the disciples calling this extravagant act of worship a waste. “That perfume was wasted on Jesus.” Put that way, it’s a startling statement.
When I was in high school, one of my teachers/advisers wanted me to go into politics; he thought my gifts were wasted in ministry. “Wasted on Jesus.” I obviously disagreed…and still do. Could I have used my gifts to serve Jesus in politics? Yes. Did I waste my gifts by serving Jesus in ministry? No.
Mary poured out her all because of Jesus raising her brother from the dead, and because she knew what Jesus was about to do: give His life for all of us. He deserved her best, her all. It wasn’t a waste.
Giving Jesus your best is never a waste.
One of the most popular worship songs right now says that all I have to offer Him is a hallelujah. I understand the humility behind that…but I also think it fails to acknowledge that God has gifted us and our gifts, our whole lives are to be used in His service. If someone thinks all they can offer God is a hallelujah and fails to offer his whole life in service, that is a waste…a wasted life.
Application
Today, I want to offer Jesus my best, my extravagant best, whatever it is. If I am worshiping, I want to give my best. If I am serving, I want to give my best. If I have loving, listening, helping someone, I want to give my best. That’s what Mary did. That’s what I want to do today. Because He is worth it. He deserves it. My best is never wasted on Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I love You and want to love You extravagantly, with my whole life. All I am and have is Yours. Help me today to give my best to You because You are worth it.