Meaningful Life

Date: Jan. 26, 2026

John 12:1-5

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”

Meaningful Life – Jan. 26, 2026
Text: John 12:1-5
Theme: The Expensive Extravagant Worship.
Take-Away-Point: Worship The Lord With Your Very Best.

In John 12:1-11, We learn of Mary's extravagant act of anointing Jesus' feet with one of the most expensive perfumes in those days as a profound act of worship. This act, unknown to Mary, foreshadowed Jesus’ approaching death, burial, and resurrection. On the other hand, we see clear contrast with Judas' selfish criticism, which again, highlights Mary's selfless devotion to Jesus.

Mary spared no cost in adoring and worshipping the King who had given life back to her dead brother Lazarus. She knew deep down in her heart that Jesus was no ordinary prophet, He was indeed the only begotten Son of God as He claimed. So, she worshipped her Maker with the very best thing that she got. Let us not forget that a woman’s hair is the most treasured thing in her and for Mary to use her hair to wipe the feet of Jesus, tells you how much Jesus is worth to her. How about you? What does Jesus worth to you?

Guys, out of curiosity, I looked up perfumes in the world today with the hope of finding perhaps the most expensive among them. And here comes one called Shumukh.

The Perfume Shumukh: “It's made with rare oud oil from India, amber, sandalwood, patchouli and pure Turkish rose oil, among others.” Impressed? Well, for a cool $1.295 million it can be yours! To be fair, the bottle is encrusted with diamonds. You see why it’s the most expensive?

Assuming this was the cost of the perfume that Mary used in anointing Jesus, do you think that Jesus is worth it? Would you be willing to give up this perfume to serve the Lord Jesus? The only right answer is Yes. Jesus is worth it and more. You know why?

By the reason of Jesus' death on the cross, you and I have received God’s grace, His mercy, and His forgiveness. We have been set free from the bondage of our sins. We have become heirs of God’s kingdom. For these reasons, we must all have a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving to the King of Kings who is worthy of our expensive and extravagant worship.

As you go out this week, spare no cost in giving our Lord Jesus the very best of your worship that He alone deserves even if it will cost you a fortune. In 2 Samuel 24:24a, King David made this remarkable statement “But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

God bless you until I see you next week.

I wish you a meaningful week.

David Kachi Jite