In this episode of 10:10 Thrive, we revisit the house in Bethany where Jesus is anointed with costly perfume by Mary of Bethany just days before His crucifixion. While her act of devotion fills the room with fragrance, it also stirs discomfort among the disciples—especially Judas Iscariot—who argue the gift could have been sold to help the poor. Jesus rebukes their critique, affirming the beauty and prophetic depth of Mary’s offering: it prepares His body for burial and reflects a heart that understands the gravity of the moment more than His closest followers do.
The episode contrasts two economies—one driven by efficiency and social obligation, and another governed by love, timing, and spiritual insight. Jesus is not diminishing care for the poor; He is elevating the primacy of worship and preparation in light of His imminent sacrifice. In Mary’s actions, Jesus finds something more than generosity: He finds recognition, intimacy, and surrender. Her gift becomes a lasting testament to what it means to pour out one’s treasure not for utility, but for love.
This encounter teaches us Jesus values devotion that discerns the times, welcomes offerings born of the Spirit rather than calculation, and redefines extravagance through the lens of eternity. In a world that often questions lavish worship and radical giving, Jesus reminds us that nothing poured out in love is wasted. May we, like Mary, respond to Jesus not just with service, but with sacred abandon.
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