A Life Of Extravagant Love

Beloved family , grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ. As we gather this sacred morning to partake in communion, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the rich, poignant story found in the twelfth chapter of John’s Gospel. Here, we encounter a mesmerizing moment of devotion, a simple yet profound act of love performed by Mary, the sister of Lazarus.

Let us turn our hearts and minds to John 12:1-8 and allow the words to wash over us and prepare us for this holy feast.

Scripture Reading: John 12:1-8]

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’”

1. A Profound Act of Worship

In the heart of Bethany, within the intimate confines of a home, we witness Mary’s extraordinary gesture—an anointing with pure nard, a perfume of exceptional value. The very essence of this moment is steeped in reverence and devotion. Mary’s act transcends the mundane; it is a breathtaking proclamation of love for her Lord.

- Imagine the scene: the fragrance enveloping the air, a symbol of her adoration. As we gather at this table today, are we prepared to anoint our Savior with our love? Are we ready to surrender not just our resources, but our very selves in worship?

2. The Cost of True Discipleship

Mary’s extravagant offering stands in stark contrast to Judas’ pragmatic objection. Judas sees the monetary value, the potential waste, while Mary sees the priceless value of Jesus himself.

Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” he questions, as if measuring faith in terms of fiscal responsibility. Yet, Jesus rebukes him, illuminating the unique moment that demands our all. In our journey of faith, we are called not to calculate and measure but to love and to give extravagantly.

3. The Fragrance of Our Lives

As the perfume filled the house, it bore witness to Mary’s love and devotion. The fragrance symbolizes the worship that we offer to God—a fragrant aroma pleasing to Him.

In our act of communion, we create a sacred space where heaven touches earth. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are reminded that our lives, infused with gratitude and grace, rise to our Father as fragrant offerings. Are we prepared to fill our lives with this beautiful aroma of worship?

4. A Celebration of His Presence

Jesus lovingly reminds us, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” In this moment, as we gather around His table, we acknowledge His presence among us.

This communion is not simply a ritual but a celebration of the profound reality that Christ is with us—present in our hearts, in our fellowship, and in our shared worship. In our unity at this table, we experience the fullness of His love—a love that beckons us to share with one another and with the world.

As we prepare our hearts for communion, let us approach with reverence and joy. May we offer our lives as Mary did—with abandon, with devotion, and with extravagant love.

Let this moment remind us that true worship transforms and calls us to live in radical response to His grace. Today, as we partake of this sacred meal, let us do so with hearts overflowing with gratitude for the magnificent love of our Savior.

[Prayer]

Let us pray. Eternal Father, we thank you for the beautiful gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. For the love that He has shown us, for the life He offers, we are eternally grateful. As we gather around this table, may we come with hearts open to You, ready to receive and to give. Transform us, O Lord, that we might be vessels of Your love—spreaders of the sweet fragrance of Christ in our world. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.