Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” - John 12:1-8
I am struck by the idea of "great price" or "costliness" of worship communicated in this account from the Gospel of John. Mary (the same who sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha fussed about dinner preparations in Luke 10:38-42) knew that this act of worship would be misconstrued and would appear controversial. But she also knew how great was the love of God for her as expressed by Jesus, God's only begotten Son. What are the things in this present age that would carry the same or greater value as "a pint of pure nard" did during the time of Christ? Is it your time, or your money, or your possessions, or something else?
Clearly, Judas had value in shekels or denarii on his mind. "Sell the perfume and let's use it to feed the poor (and suppliment my retirement fund)." Judas' motives would be suspect due to history's record of his true colors. But what about the "Judas" in us? What about the "Martha" in us? How do we "judge" value and worth when it comes to someone else's offering of worship to God? Do we say, "They don't sing very well, or they don't give enough, or they are always taking handouts, or they're never grateful for their many blessings."
Take a moment to consider the great price Jesus paid for your sins, the agony He bore on himself to restore your relationship with His Father, the continuous intercession He is making on your behalf right now, at the right hand of the Father entrhoned on high. You are His precious child, His priceless treasure, His favorite one. What can you give Him in return?
Start with your full devotion, your unfettered worship, and obedience that is without condition. If your sacrifice of praise makes you look a little foolish or even provokes murmurs and whispers, keep your focus on the face of God and doing the things that will being Him the greatest joy. Seek only His approval and your offering will be acceptable to Him Who is worthy.
Worship Jesus!
