Love at all costs

Bible Reading - Mark 14:1-11

We often hear the phrase, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” It’s an advertising line targeted at men who will buy the expensive gemstones for their girlfriends or wives. Love is a powerful incentive to loosen the purse strings, and advertisers know it.

Some of us are very willing to spend a bomb on people we love. Think of parents who shower their children with toys, or the smitten husband who splurges on flowers and jewellery for his wife. Giving gifts is a natural way to communicate love and appreciation.

In Mark 14, there is a woman who loves Jesus so much, she presents Him a gift of really expensive perfume (it’s worth more than a year’s salary!) By pouring the perfume on Him, she is expressing her adoration and thanksgiving to Him. Her extravagant gesture of love, however, draws criticism from those around her (v4-5).

Jesus jumps to her defence and openly praises her for her “beautiful” act of blessing Him and preparing for His burial (v6-9). What an honour it is to be affirmed by Jesus, the Son of God!

Put yourself in the woman’s shoes for a moment. Would you be willing to pay the price of loving Jesus? The cost may come in the form of resources, time and energy. We can love Jesus by giving generously to ministry, serving the church with our hearts and hands, and loving people by sharing the Gospel to them.

Sometimes these acts may attract criticism from our friends and families who do not know Jesus or understand why we want to give our lives to Him. They may even question our motives. However, a deep love for Jesus keeps us going.

What are some things you can do out of love for Jesus? When your love for Him attracts opposition or requires a great deal of sacrifice, what will motivate you to continue in the faith?

As you spend time on the couch with God, take a moment to pray and reflect on what you've read.