THE FRAGRANCE OF HEAVEN – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
John 12:1-11
Mark 14:1-10
The Big Idea:
When grace grips your heart, generosity flows from your life.
In this powerful message, we’re invited to explore the profound concept of extravagant worship through the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet in John 12. This biblical account challenges us to consider: what are we willing to break and pour out for Jesus? Mary’s act of breaking an expensive jar of perfume symbolizes the beauty of sacrificial devotion. We’re reminded that true generosity isn’t about the amount, but the heart behind the gift. Just as Mary’s actions were remembered wherever the gospel was preached, our acts of worship can leave a lasting fragrance. This message encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, push past the opinions of others, and offer our most precious possessions – whether material or intangible – at Jesus’ feet. It’s a call to live with a spirit of ‘korban’, drawing close to God with everything we have.
The Fragrance of Heaven:
Picture this scene: A dinner party in Bethany, just six days before Passover. Jesus is the guest of honor, surrounded by his friends, including Lazarus – the man he had recently raised from the dead. The atmosphere is joyous, a celebration of life and miracles. But amidst the festivities, something extraordinary happens.
Mary enters the room, carrying an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours its contents over Jesus’ feet, then wipes them with her hair. The fragrance fills the house, a sensory reminder of her extravagant act of worship.
This wasn’t just any perfume. We’re told it was pure nard, imported from India, worth about a year’s wages. In today’s terms, that could easily equate to tens of thousands of dollars. It was likely Mary’s most valuable possession, perhaps her life savings or inheritance.
The reaction is immediate. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, objects vehemently. “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” he demands. On the surface, it seems a valid question. Couldn’t that money have been used for more practical purposes?
But Jesus’ response is surprising and profound. “Leave her alone,” he says. “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” He goes on to explain that Mary has anointed him for burial, recognizing the significance of his impending death when others did not.
This story challenges us on multiple levels. It forces us to confront our own attitudes towards worship, generosity, and what we consider valuable in life.
Mary’s act of worship was extravagant, intimate, and deeply personal. She didn’t care about social conventions or what others might think. Her focus was solely on Jesus and expressing her love and gratitude to him. How often do we approach our worship with such abandon? Are we too concerned with appearances or what others might think?
This story also confronts our understanding of generosity. Judas framed his objection in terms of helping the poor, but Jesus saw through to his heart. True generosity isn’t about calculated giving or public displays. It’s about the heart behind the gift. As the saying goes, “Generosity is like romance – it works on any budget.” It’s not the amount that matters, but the sacrifice and love behind it.
Jesus’ words are particularly striking: “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” This isn’t a dismissal of caring for the poor, but rather a reminder to seize moments of spiritual significance. There are times when extravagant worship is the right response.
Moreover, Jesus makes a remarkable promise: “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mary’s act of worship became an eternal part of the gospel story. It reminds us that our acts of devotion and sacrifice can have impacts far beyond what we can see or imagine.
This story invites us to consider what our “alabaster jar” might be. What is the most precious thing we’re holding onto? Is it our wealth, our reputation, our time, our talents? Are we willing to break it open and pour it out at Jesus’ feet?
The imagery of fragrance is powerful here. When Mary broke the jar, the scent filled the entire house. Similarly, when we offer our most precious gifts to God, the “fragrance” of that offering can permeate our lives and influence those around us. It’s a reminder that true worship and generosity have a lingering effect.
There’s also a challenging contrast between Mary and Judas in this story. While Mary’s heart was full of love and worship, Judas was consumed by greed and self-interest. It’s a stark reminder that our outward actions can mask our true motivations. We’re called to examine our hearts and ensure our giving and worship come from a place of genuine love for God.
This story challenges us to move beyond a transactional approach to faith. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “If I give this much, God will bless me this much.” But Mary’s act was one of pure devotion, with no expectation of return. She gave her most precious possession simply because she loved Jesus.
Whatever form it takes, the call is the same: to break open our alabaster jars, to pour out our lives in worship and service to Jesus. It’s an invitation to live with open hands and open hearts, ready to give our best to God.
As we reflect on this powerful story, we can ask ourselves:
- What is my “alabaster jar” – the most precious thing I’m holding onto?
- Am I willing to break it open in worship and service to Jesus?
- How can I cultivate a heart of extravagant generosity in my daily life?
- What would it look like for the “fragrance” of my worship to permeate the spaces I inhabit?
May we, like Mary, be known for our extravagant love for Jesus. May the fragrance of our worship and generosity linger long after we’re gone, pointing others to the worth and beauty of our Saviour.
Discussion Questions
- How does the story of Mary breaking the alabaster jar challenge our own understanding of worship and sacrifice?
- In what ways might we be like Judas, focusing on the monetary value of offerings rather than the heart behind them?
- How can we cultivate a spirit of extravagant generosity in our daily lives, regardless of our financial circumstances?
- What ‘expensive jars’ in our lives might God be asking us to break at His feet?
- How does the concept of ‘korban’ (drawing close) apply to our relationship with God and our approach to worship?
- In what ways can we ensure that our generosity flows from a heart gripped by God’s grace, rather than from obligation or show?
- How might our lives change if we truly believed that ‘the right time to do the right thing is right now’ in our spiritual journey?
- What does it mean for us to leave a ‘lingering fragrance’ of our faith in the spaces we occupy?
- How can we balance being good stewards of our resources with being extravagantly generous towards God and others?
- In what ways can we, like Mary, set apart (anoint) aspects of our lives for God’s purposes, even when others might not understand?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we come before You in awe of the extravagant love shown by Mary as she poured out her finest gift at Your feet. May her devotion stir our hearts to worship without reserve, breaking open all we hold dear to honor You. Let our lives be filled with the fragrance of sacrifice and love, that those around us might catch a glimpse of Your beauty and worth. Teach us to be generous, not out of duty or display, but from hearts gripped by Your grace. Draw us closer to You, Lord, and may every act of worship leave a lasting fragrance that points others to You. In Your precious name, Amen.
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