At a dinner held in Jesus’ honor, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. This act of worship asks a searching question: what is Jesus worth to us? Is He worthy of our leftovers, our convenience, and our polite admiration—or our wholehearted worship? True devotion is not measured by public appearance, but by what we are willing to pour out in love for the One who gave everything for us. Jesus is worthy of our most costly devotion because true worship flows from recognizing His unmatched worth.

 

Put It into Practice: Offer Jesus something truly costly this week. Choose something meaningful—your time, resources, comfort, schedule, reputation, or personal preferences—and intentionally surrender it to Jesus as an act of worship. (Think of it as an “In Honor of…” gift to the Lord!)

 

Day 1 John 12:1-3 

Reflect: What roles do the three friends of Jesus play? What does Mary’s act reveal about the nature of genuine worship? What is the difference between admiration for Jesus and surrendered devotion? 

Apply: When was the last time you gave up something valuable to honor Jesus? What would it look like this week to express your love for Jesus in a way that is personal rather than merely routine?

Pray: Lord, Thank You for the beautiful example of Mary of Bethany. Just as she joyfully poured out her costly perfume, I pray that You would give me the grace to offer You my whole heart.

 

Day 2 John 12:4-11 

Reflect: Why is it possible to sound spiritually correct while being spiritually misaligned? Judas objected to “waste.” What kinds of devotion to Jesus might we today label impractical or excessive?

Apply: Why does proximity to Jesus not automatically transform the heart? Are there places where practicality has become an excuse for you to withhold devotion from Christ? Consider your motives.

Pray: Forgive me, Father, for the times I have allowed selfishness or a critical spirit to cloud my worship. Just as Mary poured out her expensive perfume without reservation, I pray that my life may be an offering of wholehearted love.

 

Day 3 John 12:12-19 

Reflect: What expectations do you think the crowd projected onto Jesus, and how do people still do that today? What is the difference between enthusiasm for Jesus and actual discipleship?

Apply: In what ways have you been tempted to shape Jesus into the kind of Savior you prefer? When has Jesus met your expectations? Challenged them? What would full surrender to the King look like?

Pray: God, give me a heart that recognizes Your grace and rejoices in Your salvation. When the noise of the world gets loud, and the opinions of others tempt me to hide, fill me with the courage to stand firm in Your truth. 

 

Day 4 2 Samuel 24:18-25 

Reflect: David refuses to offer God a sacrifice that costs him nothing. Why is cost such an essential part of authentic worship? How does costly worship deepen our awareness of God’s worth?

Apply: How could generosity become an act of worship rather than merely an obligation? Where might sacrificial obedience be the truest form of worship in your life right now?

Pray: Lord, I want to build an altar of true worship in my life. Give me the courage and the heart to bring You offerings that cost me something—my resources, time, my will, and my obedience.

 

Day 5 Philippians 2:9-11    

Reflect: The humble Jesus of John 12 is also the exalted Christ here. Why is Jesus’ exaltation inseparably connected to His humility, and what does that mean for our lives now and for eternity?  

Apply: Is Jesus practically Lord over your life, or only theoretically honored in your beliefs? Ask Him about it. Where do you need to bow willingly now instead of resisting His authority? Ask for His help.

Pray: Jesus, I choose to surrender my will to Yours. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your grace and truth. I surrender my worries, ambitions, and daily struggles, laying them at the feet of the King.