Read: John 12:1–8
Mary didn’t hold back. She brought her best—a jar of perfume worth a year’s wages—and poured it out on Jesus’ feet. It was costly, bold, and completely unashamed.
She knew exactly who Jesus was. He wasn’t just a good teacher or a kind man, but God in the flesh, sitting in her home. And she knew God was worthy of outrageous love. He deserved her very best.
But if we’re honest, we don’t always approach God like that. We measure our resources carefully and give God what’s left over. We scroll through our phones for an hour before offering God five distracted minutes. We plan our week in detail before seeing if church or prayer can fit in. We give our best energy to work, hobbies, and everything else, and come to God after we’re already spent.
Mary’s actions remind us that when we live life this way, we get it backward. She didn’t do the math or weigh the cost. Her heart said, “He’s worth it all,” and her actions followed. And Jesus didn’t miss that. He honored her, defended her, and said her act would be remembered.
God pours out grace, love, and mercy on us every single day—a thousandfold more than anything we could ever give in return. And yet, he still invites us to bring our best, not out of guilt, but out of love.
What would it look like for you to go all in with God? What would change if you truly believed he was worth everything? Let Mary’s example push you closer. When it comes to Jesus, half-hearted doesn’t make sense. He’s worthy of everything we have to give.