Extravagant Love
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 12:1-19 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
“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.” John 12:7-8
Meditatio (Meditation)
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting its warm glow over the humble home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, something extraordinary unfolded. A gathering of friends, sharing laughter and stories, nestled around a table laden with food. In the midst of it all, Mary, known for her gentle spirit and compassionate heart, approaches Jesus. But it's not her words that captivate us; it's her actions. With a flask of costly perfume in her hand, Mary breaks its seal and pours it over the feet of Jesus, anointing him with a fragrance that fills the room. The scent of her sacrifice permeates the air, a tangible reminder of her love and devotion to the one who had touched her life in profound ways.
But not everyone in the room understood the depth of Mary's gesture. Judas, ever the practical one, couldn't fathom the extravagance of her act. To him, it seemed wasteful, a squandering of resources that could have been put to better use. Yet Jesus saw beyond the surface, recognizing the heart behind the offering. Jesus, always the gentle teacher, defends Mary's actions, reminding Judas and the others that her act was not one of frivolity but of profound significance. In her willingness to sacrifice, Mary demonstrated what it means to love without reservation, to give freely of oneself in service to another.
And as Jesus makes his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the crowds gather to greet him, laying palm branches at his feet and shouting praises to the heavens. In their midst, Mary stands as a silent witness to the unfolding drama, her act of love a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would soon make on behalf of all humanity. Jesus gave His life not out of drudgery, obligation, or duty, but rather compassionate love for us.
Take a moment to reflect on the words you have read. Reflect on the scene unfolding before you. Picture yourself in the home of Martha, Lazarus, and Mary. Imagine the aroma of the perfume filling the room, the warmth of the hospitality, and the intimacy of Jesus' presence. Consider the extravagant gesture of Mary, pouring out costly perfume on the feet of Jesus. What does this act reveal about her heart? What might it teach us about worship, sacrifice, and devotion?
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
For Mary, the perfume that now soaked the feet of Jesus was much more than just a fragrance. Contained in the bottle was a year's worth of wages. It represented financial security and provision, and, more than likely, served as her most prized possession. But, it was her joy to open the cap and empty every last drop at the feet of the One who she worshipped. Forgiveness is free, but devotion requires a sacrifice. We cheapen God's gift of grace when we can accept it and then go about our business as if nothing has changed.
To truly experience the freedom Christ provides, we must die to ourselves to live for Him. Moved by His sacrifice, we offer every part of who we are in worship. We do so not to prove we're worthy of His love, but instead as a declaration of thankfulness for already being fully known and fully loved. In her act of anointing, Mary gave her most precious possession, holding nothing back in her expression of love. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated devotion—a reminder that love is not measured by its cost but by the sincerity with which it is given.
Take a moment to contemplate the areas of your life where you’re holding back and fearing the cost of wholehearted devotion.
Actio (Action)
The extravagance of Mary’s actions took everyone by surprise. Some questioned Mary's boldness. Others saw what she did as short-sighted and irresponsible. Living a life of radical generosity will never make sense in our me-first culture that values comfort and convenience above all. Even in the church world, we often settle for a manageable faith that has no problem putting limits on our sacrifice.
We want all the grace we can handle, but very little of the stretching and molding required to reflect Christ's heart of kindness, humility, and sacrifice. As we reflect on Mary's story, we're invited to examine our own hearts. How often do we hold back, clinging to our possessions and comforts rather than offering them up in service to others? How often do we allow fear and practicality to overshadow our capacity for love?
Mary's example challenges us to break free from the constraints of self-interest and embrace the transformative power of sacrificial love. It's a love that knows no bounds, a love that compels us to give of ourselves fully and unreservedly. Be radical in the way you give of yourself - your time, your attention, your resources, and your ability. Do you desire to see God move in your life? Do you yearn for deeper faith? Then ask yourself, what do you need to pour out?
Take a moment to express gratitude for the example of Mary's extravagant love and humility. Ask for the courage to pour out our own lives as an offering to Jesus, holding nothing back.
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
God, You gave all You had so I could walk in freedom. May I respond to Your sacrifice by offering my life as an act of worship. I will look for ways to give and empty myself as I rest in the security of the love only You can provide. In Your name, Jesus, amen.