The Cost of Worship - Holy Week Day 4

Every follower of Christ will one day face the question: What is Jesus worth to me?

In the Old Testament, David sought to purchase animals to sacrifice before the Lord to atone for the sin of himself and the people of Israel. When Araunah offered the animals free of charge, something didn’t sit right in David’s spirit. In response to the Araunah’s offer, David replied “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)

David was not content offering something to the Lord that cost him nothing. It was out of David’s love for God that he wanted to bring something of worth to His King. 

Much like David’s insistence on offering God something of worth, Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with costly oil was a heartfelt sacrifice that showed how deeply she valued Him (Matthew 26:6-7).

In John’s Gospel account, he described how Judas cried out in opposition to Mary’s display of worship asking:  “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (John 12:5)

The Bible then indicates that “This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it (John 12:6). This scripture indicates that Judas’ outcry was in defense of his own selfish ambition. 

To Judas, it was waste; to Mary, it was worship.

Throughout the Bible, kings and priests were anointed right before being appointed to positions in high esteem. Jesus described that what Mary did was anoint Him for His burial. This sacred offering stood in stark contrast to the betrayal that would soon follow.

Shortly following Jesus’ response, Judas sought after the chief priests to betray Jesus. While scripture doesn’t clarify what caused Judas to betray Him, scripture does provide insight on what he asked the chief priests. 

“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” (Matthew 26:15) Judas walked away satisfied when they settled on the worth of Jesus’ bounty equating to 30 pieces of silver. 

Judas was seeking what he could get while Mary was seeking what she could give. 

Mary’s act reminds us that true worship often costs us something. Judas, on the other hand, exchanged his relationship with Jesus for temporary gain. 

We can find great contemplation over the wisdom of Charles Spurgeon when he asked: “Is anything wasted which is all for Jesus? It might rather seem as if all would be wasted which was not given to him.” 

Reading Guide 

• 2 Samuel 24:22-24 

• Matthew 26:6-16

• John 12:1-8 

  
  

Reflection Questions 

1. What is Jesus worth to me? 

2. Am I more focused on what I can get from Jesus or what I can give to Him?

3. Like Mary, is there something valuable such as my time, resources, talents, or even comfort that God is asking me to pour out in worship?

Prayer Focus 

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve been more focused on what I could get from You rather than what I could give to You. Reveal to me the things you’re asking me to pour out as an act of worship. Remind me that nothing I offer to You is ever wasted.

-Tatiana Wheeler