Saturday, 12^th April 2025

Andrews Ampomah 

TOPIC: Acceptable Sacrifice

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Mary therefore took a pound[a] of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” – John 12:3

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What was the significance of Mary’s action?

In today’s post-Christian world, genuine devotion to the things of God is increasingly becoming rare. Many Christians struggle to prioritize their faith and service in God’s kingdom, often treating service as interruptions rather than acts of love. Time, energy, and resources that once went freely toward God’s service are now given sparingly, if given at all. Even when sacrifices are made, they are sometimes rendered half-heartedly, lacking the sincerity and genuineness that true worship demands. The fire of extravagant love and full surrender seems to have faded from many Christian hearts.

Our text today calls the redeemed to whole-hearted devotion and an uncompromising love for Christ. The context of the events we are focusing on highlights different individuals and their show of genuine gratitude to Jesus for His intervention in their lives. Six clear days before the Passover, we are told that Simon the leper (he was once a leper whom Jesus healed) hosted Jesus to a party in his house (Mathew 26:6). Included in the list of guests were Lazarus and his two sisters (Mary and Martha). All these were very active players on the occasion of this party. Martha, known for service, continued to serve eagerly, displaying that acts of love and devotion to Christ Jesus transcend location when it is motivated by gratitude – John 12:1-4.

Amid the joyful celebration, one moment stood out in striking contrast and beauty: “Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume – John 12:3.” 

This was very significant and was the high point of the ceremony – it became the talking point. Judas despised such extravagance, questioning why anyone would spend an annual salary on a perfume only to pour it on the feet of Jesus when it could have been used to feed the poor (John 12:5). Mary’s actions speak volumes – it was a bold declaration of her undiluted love for Christ. She was not silenced by her critics and was also not ready for the court of public opinion to dissuade her. Redeemed from the grip of darkness, she recognized that no possession or social decorum was too great to lay at His feet. In humility and glory, she bowed low, letting her hair touch what her heart adored. Oh! What a gesture of reverence. Oh! What pure devotion. What an extravagant love. What an offering fit for the King. Jesus cuts through the moment and declares that Mary’s sacrifice is acceptable and that her actions have prepared His body for burial. In that moment,

He declares that Mary’s gesture will be a memorial accompanying the preaching of the Gospel anywhere in the world (Mathew 26:12-13). 

Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, we are now in the most intense and sacred moments of the Lenten season. As we enter this final stretch of our journey to the Cross and the Resurrection, we are inspired by Mary’s act of extravagant love and undivided devotion to Christ. Her offering reminds us that nothing- our time, resources, energy, or love- should be withheld from our Lord. Let her example stir within us a renewed commitment to serve God wholeheartedly. The Messiah’s selfless sacrifice, offered to secure our redemption and satisfy the wrath of God, calls for nothing less than our complete gratitude and unwavering devotion. May your love for Him be as fragrant as Mary’s offering. God bless you.

 

FURTHER READING – John 12,  Mathew 26, and Mark 14.

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. In what ways are you expressing gratitude to Christ Jesus for your redemption?
2. Are you wholeheartedly devoted to God?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for constantly reminding me of how devoted I should be in worship. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to approach worship, service and anything in Your kingdom with the mindset that Mary had. Oh! That my worship and service will be selfless and that my love will be undivided in Christ Jesus. Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Deuteronomy 29-30; Psalm 102; Acts 12