We are to honor THE LORD through worship!
Extravagant worship will bring forth criticism.
Mark recorded by The Holy Spirit in Mark chapter 14:
3 Now Jesus was in Bethany, in the home of Simon, a man Jesus had healed of leprosy. And as he was reclining at the table, a woman came into the house, with an alabaster flask filled with the highest quality of fragrant and expensive oil. She came to Jesus, and with a gesture of extreme devotion, she broke the flask and poured out the precious oil over his head.
4 But some were highly indignant when they saw this, and they complained to one another, saying, “What a total waste!
5 It could have been sold for a great sum, and the money could have benefited the poor.” So they scolded her harshly.
The people around Jesus had no idea of the importance of worshipping THE LORD. Their mindset was that of scarcity, not abundance. Extravagant worship revealed the hearts of the onlookers. The incredible offering she gave to THE LORD reminds us that there is never a lack of funds. Generosity is a very natural response to those who have experienced HIM and touching His Heart.
6 Jesus said to them, “Leave her alone! Why are you so critical of this woman? She has honored Me with this beautiful act of kindness.
7 You will always have the poor, whom you can help whenever you want, but you will not always have Me.
Jesus corrected them and their excuse to give to the poor. We should not sacrifice worship and its importance.
8 When she poured the fragrant oil over Me, she was preparing My Body in advance of My burial. She has done all that she could to honor Me.
9 I promise you that as this wonderful Gospel spreads all over the world, the story of her lavish devotion to Me will be mentioned in memory of her.”
Consider the importance of this act of worship toward Jesus by the woman. Her story has been read by countless believers in the last 2,000 years. Worshipping THE LORD is an Eternal act!
Who led those who criticized the woman?
The Beloved Disciple wrote by The Holy Spirit in John chapter 12:
3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said,
5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
6 (In fact, Judas had no heart for the poor. He only said this because he was a thief and in charge of the money case. He would steal money whenever he wanted from the funds given to support Jesus’ ministry.)
True worship reveals what is in the heart of those who observe it. This event revealed Judas’ heart, actions, and intent. Effectively, he stole from the poor because of his selfishness. What you do with your money ultimately reflects what is in your heart. Money and worship were linked together in this story. When we honor and exalt THE LORD with our resources, it is a form of true worship.
Why did Jesus place Judas in charge of the money box? He gave Judas an opportunity to rise above his weakness. Jesus gave Judas an opportunity to be victorious.
The greatest expression of worship was given to us by a woman. Mary anointed Jesus with a perfume worth approximately a year’s salary. Works of charity are important, but they can never replace our devotion to Christ.