Day 3

Extravagant Love

READING:
John 12:1-8

Even the most “thrifty” of us become generous with those we love. Love implies generosity and giving. The popular Bible verse, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved...that He gave...”

Mary did a most extravagant action towards Jesus when she went into the family treasury and brought out a perfume valued at one year’s wages and poured it over Jesus. Scholars suggest that this particular fragrance was reserved only for royalty, and that the resulting aroma, which filled and spilled out of the residence, communicated to all that the King was in the house. The only person who seemed to struggle with such a lovely expression of appreciation for the Savior was Judas who complained that such a gift would have been better served to feed the poor. Nobody would argue with taking care of the impoverished, but not celebrating a King when He is in the house is not only rude, but also shortsighted and selfish. In Judas’ case as the treasurer of the group, he clearly had an eye toward the cash poten- tially generated from the sale of this precious perfume (John indicates that Judas was stealing from the group).

Jesus graciously accepted this incredible act of worship, which not only anticipated His Kingship but also His death and burial. It could be that this wonderful aroma provided comfort for Him as He faced the challenges of the upcoming days.

Have you been extravagant in your worship? What about in the giving of your time, talent and treasure?

How can you be extravagant today towards the King?