Why this waste?” are the words that Judas shouts after seeing the woman anoint Jesus’ head and feet with expensive perfume from her beautiful alabaster bottle. Many believe this would have been a year’s worth of savings in order to have the funds to purchase this rare perfume from India. Many, if not most of the onlookers at this impromptu worship service during a casual dinner, thought this act of worship was totally unnecessary and extremely excessive. The truth is, what others were criticizing as a waste, Jesus was praising and declaring as beautiful. Mary’s extravagant devotion and worship was celebrated by Jesus and seen as according to the plan and preparation for his death. (Re: Matthew 26:6-13) I share this story to encourage anyone who has ever heard that their efforts, devotion, or love were a waste and unnecessary. You are not a waste and what you have done is not a waste. Please know that when people are often most appalled, God is the one that’s applauding your efforts, love and service. Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Stay Close to Jesus
