While Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14)
Our pastor shared from this passage on Sunday and I have been pondering his words, or feeling convicted actually, all week.
This woman had an extravagant love for Jesus. She was criticized. But she loved Jesus with all she had.
I love Jesus. I love my family. But I want to love extravagantly, with all that I am…but I don’t think I do. And that is a very sobering feeling.
How can I love Jesus extravagantly?
How can I love my husband extravagantly?
How can I love my children extravagantly?
I’m tired. I’m overwhelmed. I don’t think I can add one more thing to do.
But, once again I am reminded that I don’t have to be strong. I don’t have to do it on my own. His grace is sufficient. His power is made strong in my weakness.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9
Help me, Jesus. Help me to love with an extravagant love. Thank You for loving me extravagantly.
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