A devotional on extravagant love for Jesus begins in a house in Bethany. In Mark 14:6 (ESV), after a woman poured costly ointment on Jesus, he defended her: She has done a beautiful thing to me. Some called it waste. Jesus called it beautiful. He treasures love that holds nothing back.
Key Verse
“But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” (Mark 14:6, ESV)
The Anointing at Bethany
Two days before Passover, Jesus was eating at the home of Simon the leper. A woman arrived carrying a costly alabaster jar of perfume, broke it open, and poured the perfume over his head. John’s Gospel identifies her as Mary, sister of Lazarus. The fragrance would have filled the room.
Some present were indignant. That perfume might have been sold for a great deal of money for the poor. They scolded her.
Jesus Defends Her
Jesus told them to leave her alone. She had done a beautiful thing. He explained that she had anointed his body beforehand for burial. Perhaps she sensed what others missed, that Jesus was about to die. Her gift was an act of worship and love, perfectly timed.
Jesus even said that wherever the gospel goes, her act would be remembered. And here we are, still telling it.
Love That Looks Wasteful
To the world, wholehearted devotion to Jesus can look wasteful: time spent in prayer, money given away, careers redirected, comfort surrendered. But Jesus sees it differently. Nothing given to him in love is ever wasted.
This does not mean we neglect the poor. Jesus cared deeply for them. It means our love for him comes first, and from that love flows care for others.
What Can You Pour Out?
The woman gave what she had. You may not have expensive ointment, but you have time, talents, attention, and affection. Holy Week is a good time to ask: what beautiful thing can I offer Jesus? Not to earn his love, but to respond to it.
Extravagant love does not always look like a grand gesture. It can mean giving your best time to prayer, serving someone who cannot repay you, or offering a gift that stretches you. Jesus treasures love that holds nothing back.
Today, Try This
Choose one extravagant act of devotion today, such as an extended time of worship, a generous gift, or a costly act of service, and offer it to Jesus alone.
Reflection Question
What would wholehearted, extravagant love for Jesus look like in your life this week?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are worthy of everything I have. Forgive me for holding back. Like the woman at Bethany, I want to pour out my love on you. Receive my time, gifts, and heart as an offering. Thank you for loving me first. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mark 14:6 mean?
In Mark 14:6 (ESV), Jesus defends a woman who anointed him with costly ointment, calling her act beautiful. He valued her extravagant devotion and connected it to his coming burial.
Who anointed Jesus at Bethany?
Mark describes an unnamed woman at Simon the leper’s house. John 12 describes a similar anointing by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Many readers connect the accounts, though Scripture records details differently.
Why did the disciples object to the anointing?
Some present thought the ointment was wasted and could have been sold to help the poor. Jesus responded that her act was beautiful and fitting, since she was preparing his body for burial before his death.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Gospel studies
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Mary and Martha Devotional
- Related: Rich Young Ruler Devotional: Jesus Loved Him (Mark 10:21)
- Related: Widow’s Offering Devotional: She Gave All (Mark 12:43-44)