Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” – Mark 14:6 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

In the home of Simon the leper, an unnamed woman enters quietly but purposefully. She carries an alabaster jar—filled with perfume so costly it could have equaled a year’s wages. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours the fragrant oil over Jesus’ head. The room fills with the scent of her sacrifice—and the sound of disapproval.

Some who watched scolded her, calling it a waste. They could only see the monetary value of her act, but Jesus saw the spiritual beauty behind it. “She has done a beautiful thing to me,” He said. Her love was pure, her devotion undivided, her timing perfect. As others calculated cost, she gave without measure.

Her act was not practical—it was prophetic. Jesus knew she was anointing His body for burial. In that moment, her worship reached beyond understanding; it was born of love and revelation. While others spoke of helping the poor, she honored the Savior who would soon die to save both rich and poor alike.

It’s no coincidence that immediately after this scene, Judas makes his fateful decision to betray Jesus. The contrast is striking: one heart overflowing with love, the other overcome by greed. Judas saw wasted profit where Jesus saw priceless worship. The woman gave her treasure; Judas sold his Lord.

True worship is never wasted. When we pour ourselves out before Christ—our time, our talent, our resources—it may look foolish to the world. But to Jesus, it’s beautiful. He knows the motive behind every gift, the heart behind every act.

Reflection Questions

1. What “alabaster jar” might God be calling you to break open for Him today?

2. Do you measure your devotion by cost or by love?

3. How can your worship—through service, giving, or quiet faithfulness—honor Jesus this week?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to love You with a heart like this woman’s—fully, freely, and without reserve. Keep me from calculating what my devotion costs, and teach me to give joyfully for Your glory. May my life, poured out before You, be a “beautiful thing” in Your sight. Amen.