“Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly. But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:3-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Whatever you are going through right now, my friend, in the midst of a global pandemic, national anger, political unrest and economic insecurity, what would it look like for you to break open what you have for Jesus? This woman had little of value, but gave the most valuable thing she had for Jesus.  She “did what she could” to honor Jesus above all else. What does she teach us of what it might look like for you and I to “break open” for Jesus?

This woman’s action was intentional.  She could not pour out the perfume without breaking the seal. She had to choose to break open the jar. There was no chance of it being an accident. What can you do today to be intentional about your response to Jesus?

It was sacrificial.  She had this perfume for a particular purpose. It had great value and had cost a great deal to acquire. For her to pour it out on Jesus cost more than you and I realize. She sacrificed all that she could have gained from it to surrender it for the purpose of honoring Jesus. What might you choose to sacrifice to honor Jesus?

It was extravagant.  This was an over-the-top expression of honor. It was more than expected or culturally accepted. She gave above and beyond the norm for the purpose of singling Jesus out and declaring what He was worth to her. How might you and I extravagantly declare what Jesus is worth to us?

It was complete.  Once the seal was broken on the jar there was no going back. It could not be resealed and it could not be kept. She poured it all out, keeping nothing back. How can you completely surrender to Jesus right now?

It was public. She didn’t wait for a quiet moment to let Jesus know how valuable He was to her. She was seen and heard and the fragrance filled the room. There was no hiding what she had done. She made her declaration of faith and honor known to all present. Are you willing to “go public” with your love for Jesus?

It was focused.  Jesus was her only object. She wasn’t concerned about who else was in the room. She didn’t care what they said or what they thought. The only thing that mattered to her was getting to Jesus and delivering her gift of worship and love.  Is Jesus my only object?

It was permanent.  Once the seal was broken there was nothing withheld, no going back, nothing replaceable. Do I look for ways to keep something for myself and avoid giving all to Jesus?

It was committed.  There was nothing tentative about her action. She walked in and found Jesus and with no hesitation broke open her jar and poured out the contents on Him. She fully committed herself to this intentional, sacrificial, extravagant, complete, public, focused and permanent expression of worship. Am I fully committed to worship Jesus above all else?

This woman unabashedly and unrestrainedly surrendered this valuable personal treasure because she recognized the higher value of the man who was Messiah. Those in the room only saw the value of the perfume. She recognized that Jesus was worth so much more.  They scolded her for not doing the “religious” thing, selling the perfume and donating to the poor. She did the worshipful thing, She gave it all to Jesus. 

Jesus accepted the gift without hesitation or reservation. He received her action as worship and honored her publicly and perpetually. She only thought of Him and He respected her for it.  Others saw her worship as a waste. She saw that He was worthy. Others did not understand. He valued, defended and protected her.

Looking at her example and thinking about your own circumstances, Dear Friend, here are a few questions to consider: 

What if you didn’t hold back but gave everything to Jesus?

This woman was intentional and committed. What about you?

What if there is more you haven’t given yet?

What would it look like for you to “break open” and give all to Jesus?

Key thought:  Jesus is worth all that I have to give. 

A Scripture to consider:  “While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:3 NLT

A YES Challenge:  Take a moment to quiet your heart and ask yourself the above questions in God’s presence. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to some answers. Determine what your next step is toward ‘breaking open.”

Prayer:  Lord, I don’t want to hold back from You. I want to break open and fully commit to giving You all. Forgive me for the places where I have not intentionally and sacrificially poured myself out for You. Give me the grace I need to extravagantly and intentionally pour out all I have for Your honor and glory. Amen.