September 15th, 2025
by Brent Walker
by Brent Walker
Summary: In Mark 14, we're confronted with a striking contrast between wholehearted devotion and self-serving betrayal. The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly perfume challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to break our 'alabaster jars' and pour out everything for Christ? This act of extravagant love reminds us that Jesus is worthy of our all. The passage invites us to consider: what in our lives are we holding back from God? Mary's sacrifice, costing a year's wages, symbolizes the total commitment Jesus deserves. In contrast, Judas' betrayal serves as a sobering warning against following Christ for personal gain. This juxtaposition urges us to reflect on our motives in serving God. Are we truly devoted to Him, or are we seeking what we can get out of our faith? The message calls us to a faith that is all-in, unashamed, and unrestrained in its love for Jesus.
Takeaways:
Devotionals
Day 1: Extravagant Love for Jesus
Reading: Mark 14:1-9
Devotional: Mary's act of pouring expensive perfume on Jesus is a powerful example of extravagant love and devotion. She gave her most valuable possession without hesitation, seeing Jesus as worthy of everything. Today, reflect on what you consider most valuable in your life. Are you willing to offer it to Jesus? Consider how you can demonstrate your love for Christ in a tangible, sacrificial way. Remember, true devotion often appears wasteful to the world, but it's precious in God's sight.
Day 2: The Sovereignty of God in Suffering
Reading: Acts 2:22-24, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Even as religious leaders plotted against Jesus, God's sovereign plan was unfolding. Our suffering and challenges don't catch God by surprise – He works through them for our good and His glory. Reflect on a difficult situation in your life. How might God be working through it? Ask for the faith to trust His plan, even when you can't see the outcome. Remember, just as Jesus' death led to our salvation, your trials can lead to unexpected blessings and spiritual growth.
Day 3: Wholehearted Service
Reading: Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:23-24
Devotional: Mary's broken alabaster flask symbolizes wholehearted commitment to Christ. There was no turning back – she gave her all. Similarly, we're called to offer our entire lives as "living sacrifices" to God. What areas of your life are you holding back from God? What would it look like to serve Him wholeheartedly in your work, relationships, or use of time? Ask God to help you break your own "flask" – committing fully to His service, regardless of the cost or criticism you might face.
Day 4: The Danger of Self-Serving Faith
Reading: Matthew 6:19-24, 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Devotional: Judas' betrayal is a stark warning about the dangers of following Jesus for selfish gain. He appeared to serve Christ but was ultimately motivated by greed. Examine your own heart today. Are there ways you're tempted to use faith for personal benefit rather than truly submitting to Christ as Lord? Ask God to purify your motives and help you seek first His kingdom, trusting Him to provide for your needs.
Day 5: Remembered and Honored by Christ
Reading: Matthew 25:31-40, Revelation 3:5
Devotional: Jesus promised that Mary's act of devotion would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This reminds us that Christ sees and values our sincere acts of love and service. While we don't serve for recognition, it's encouraging to know that nothing done for Him is wasted. Think about the "unseen" ways you serve God and others. Be encouraged that He notices and will one day say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Ask God to help you serve out of love, not for human praise, knowing that He is the ultimate rewarder.
Takeaways:
- Wholehearted service to Jesus means valuing Him above all else, even our most precious possessions.
- Following Jesus doesn't allow for a "Plan B" - we must be all in, breaking our flasks and committing fully.
- Our priorities reveal our hearts - are we serving Jesus for what we can gain, or out of genuine love and devotion?
Devotionals
Day 1: Extravagant Love for Jesus
Reading: Mark 14:1-9
Devotional: Mary's act of pouring expensive perfume on Jesus is a powerful example of extravagant love and devotion. She gave her most valuable possession without hesitation, seeing Jesus as worthy of everything. Today, reflect on what you consider most valuable in your life. Are you willing to offer it to Jesus? Consider how you can demonstrate your love for Christ in a tangible, sacrificial way. Remember, true devotion often appears wasteful to the world, but it's precious in God's sight.
Day 2: The Sovereignty of God in Suffering
Reading: Acts 2:22-24, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Even as religious leaders plotted against Jesus, God's sovereign plan was unfolding. Our suffering and challenges don't catch God by surprise – He works through them for our good and His glory. Reflect on a difficult situation in your life. How might God be working through it? Ask for the faith to trust His plan, even when you can't see the outcome. Remember, just as Jesus' death led to our salvation, your trials can lead to unexpected blessings and spiritual growth.
Day 3: Wholehearted Service
Reading: Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:23-24
Devotional: Mary's broken alabaster flask symbolizes wholehearted commitment to Christ. There was no turning back – she gave her all. Similarly, we're called to offer our entire lives as "living sacrifices" to God. What areas of your life are you holding back from God? What would it look like to serve Him wholeheartedly in your work, relationships, or use of time? Ask God to help you break your own "flask" – committing fully to His service, regardless of the cost or criticism you might face.
Day 4: The Danger of Self-Serving Faith
Reading: Matthew 6:19-24, 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Devotional: Judas' betrayal is a stark warning about the dangers of following Jesus for selfish gain. He appeared to serve Christ but was ultimately motivated by greed. Examine your own heart today. Are there ways you're tempted to use faith for personal benefit rather than truly submitting to Christ as Lord? Ask God to purify your motives and help you seek first His kingdom, trusting Him to provide for your needs.
Day 5: Remembered and Honored by Christ
Reading: Matthew 25:31-40, Revelation 3:5
Devotional: Jesus promised that Mary's act of devotion would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This reminds us that Christ sees and values our sincere acts of love and service. While we don't serve for recognition, it's encouraging to know that nothing done for Him is wasted. Think about the "unseen" ways you serve God and others. Be encouraged that He notices and will one day say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Ask God to help you serve out of love, not for human praise, knowing that He is the ultimate rewarder.
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