Extravagant Acts of Love
Your Nightly Prayer for Feb. 20, 2025
By Sophia Bricker
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“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.” - John 12:3
SOMETHING TO PONDER
There is abounding joy in presenting gifts to those we love. The brightness in their eyes when they receive our thoughtful gift or the smile that spreads across their face when we offer to do something kind for them. Pleasure is derived from seeing their happiness. And we enjoy the opportunity to show our love to those around us, even in small ways that the world may overlook or deem unnecessary.
Scripture provides an account of a woman who showed her love for Jesus in an extravagant act. John’s Gospel details how, six days before the Passover, Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with perfume (John 12:1). Lots of us are familiar with this passage and may be tempted to ignore its significance. But this was not just any jar of perfume – it was a pint of expensive nard. The worth of this perfume was immense. Yet, she poured it on Jesus and used her hair to wipe His feet.
Such an act was a lavish expression of love that came with the risk of being misunderstood. Judas accused Mary of being wasteful, mainly because he wanted the money that the perfume was worth (John 12:4-6). Others could have looked at Mary’s act of devotion and thought she was acting imprudently. From the Lord, though, her gift was received with gratitude. In another Gospel, it is recorded that He said, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me?” (Mark 14:6, NLT).
Sometimes, others will look down on us for our love and worship of the Lord. They may think we are foolish, like how Michal viewed David dancing before the Lord or Judas perceived Mary of Bethany. However, expressing our love for Jesus is worth any misunderstanding. For He first loved us through the extravagant act of giving Himself to save us (1 John 4:19). Now, the foolishness of the cross is the believer’s everlasting hope (1 Corinthians 1:18).
So, as we close this day and look forward to the next, let us consider how we, like Mary, can show our love for Christ. No matter how simple or strange it may seem to others, we can be sure He will receive our act of worship with pleasure.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Savior, nothing I do could ever compare to the love You showed in dying for me. Yours is the greatest love. Help me, Lord, today, this week, and the days after, to think of how I can express my devotion to You. I don’t care if others perceive me as strange or foolish for doing so. Jesus, You are worth any risk of misunderstanding or ridicule, and I pray for fearlessness in giving with open hands and heart in honor of You. Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. A present that someone gave you, whether in the form of an item or a kind act of service. What made this gift special and memorable?
2. Someone in Scripture who demonstrated their devotion to the Lord. What stands out to you about their actions?
3. A friend or loved one for whom you would spend extreme amounts of resources to serve or protect. Would there be a limit to what you would do to show your love?
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Casey Horner
Originally published Thursday, 20 February 2025.
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