The Aroma of Devotion

Devotional

Day 1: True Devotion Means Sacrificing What Is Most Precious

Mary’s act of breaking the costly alabaster jar and anointing Jesus’ feet with the expensive oil demonstrates a heart that holds nothing back from God. She willingly gave up what may have been her most valuable possession, showing that Jesus was worth more to her than anything she owned. This kind of devotion challenges us to examine our own hearts and ask if there is anything we are withholding from God, or if we are willing to lay down even our most treasured things for Him. True devotion is not measured by the dollar amount, but by the cost to our hearts and our willingness to surrender all for Christ. [16:00]

John 12:1-8 (ESV)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Reflection: Is there something precious in your life that you have been reluctant to offer to Jesus? What would it look like to surrender it to Him today?

Day 2: God Values Sacrifice Over Amount

Jesus draws attention to the widow who gave two small coins, teaching that God is not impressed by the size of our gifts, but by the sacrifice behind them. The widow’s offering was small in monetary value, but it cost her everything—her whole livelihood. In the same way, God looks at the heart behind our giving and serving, asking not how much we give, but what it costs us to give it. Are we giving out of convenience, or are we willing to serve and give in ways that require real sacrifice? [20:35]

Luke 21:1-4 (ESV)
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Reflection: What is one area where your service or giving to God has been out of convenience rather than sacrifice? How can you take a step toward sacrificial giving or serving this week?

Day 3: Serving God in Everyday Ways

Not all service to God is dramatic or public; sometimes it is as simple as opening your home, preparing a meal, or quietly serving behind the scenes. Simon offered his home, Martha served the meal without complaint, and Lazarus simply sat at the table, his very presence a testimony to God’s power. Each person’s unique act of service contributed to the whole, reminding us that God values every act of service, no matter how ordinary it may seem. [11:22]

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Reflection: What is one simple, everyday way you can serve someone in your home, church, or community this week—without expecting recognition?

Day 4: Your Life Is a Testimony That Can Lead Others to Jesus

Lazarus’s life, simply by being present and sharing his story, led many to believe in Jesus. Sometimes, the most powerful witness is not in what we say, but in how we live and make ourselves available to others. When we allow God to use our lives as a testimony to His grace and power, we can draw others to faith in Christ, just as Lazarus did. [28:18]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the evidence of God’s work in you? How can you intentionally share your story or simply be present for them this week?

Day 5: The Greatest Gift You Can Offer God Is Your Life

God gave His most precious possession—His Son—for us, and in response, the greatest gift we can offer Him is our own life. It is not enough to simply believe in God; He calls us to obey Him and surrender our lives in service. This is the heart of true devotion: offering ourselves fully to God, holding nothing back, and allowing Him to use us for His glory. [30:11]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one area of your life that you have not fully surrendered to God? What step can you take today to offer your whole self to Him in obedience and love?

Sermon Summary

The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly oil is a powerful reminder of what true devotion looks like. In that crowded house in Bethany, each person served Jesus in a unique way—Simon opened his home, Martha served the meal without complaint, Lazarus simply sat at the table as a living testimony, and Mary poured out her most precious possession at Jesus’ feet. Their actions, though different, all spoke volumes about the value they placed on Jesus. Sometimes, the most profound service is not in what we say, but in what we do—or even in simply being present.

Simon’s hospitality, once impossible due to his leprosy, now becomes a testimony that no one is too far gone for Jesus’ touch. Martha, once distracted and frustrated by her serving, now serves with a transformed heart, no longer complaining about others but simply giving her best. Lazarus, freshly raised from the dead, doesn’t need to say a word; his very presence draws people to Jesus and points to the new life found in Him. And Mary, in a moment of extravagant worship, breaks open her jar of perfume—worth a year’s wages—demonstrating that nothing is too valuable to lay at Jesus’ feet.

Yet, not everyone understands or appreciates such devotion. Judas criticizes Mary, masking his selfishness with spiritual-sounding words. But Jesus defends her, reminding us that true service to Him will often be misunderstood or even criticized by others. What matters is not the dollar amount or the outward appearance of our service, but the cost to our hearts. Are we giving out of convenience, or are we willing to sacrifice what is most precious to us?

This story challenges us to examine our own lives. Is there anything we’re holding back from Jesus? Are we serving out of abundance, or are we willing to give sacrificially? God Himself set the ultimate example by giving His Son—there was nothing more valuable He could offer. May our lives reflect that same kind of devotion, so that our service, our presence, and our testimony lead others to believe in Jesus. Let us be people whose lives are a fragrant offering, filling our homes, our church, and our community with the aroma of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. True service often speaks louder than words The actions of Simon, Martha, Lazarus, and Mary each demonstrated devotion in their own way, even when they didn’t speak. Sometimes, simply being present or opening your home can be a powerful testimony. God values the quiet, faithful acts of service that may go unnoticed by others but are precious in His sight. [04:56]
2. Sacrificial giving reveals the heart’s devotion Mary’s willingness to pour out her most valuable possession at Jesus’ feet shows that true worship costs us something. God is not impressed by the amount, but by the sacrifice and love behind the gift. We are challenged to ask ourselves if there is anything we are unwilling to surrender to Him. [16:00]
3. Expect criticism when you serve Christ wholeheartedly Mary’s act of devotion was misunderstood and criticized by Judas, yet she did not defend herself—Jesus did. When we give our best to God, others may question or judge our motives. Our focus should remain on pleasing Christ, trusting Him to vindicate our service. [18:02]
4. God gave His all—so should we The parallel between Mary’s costly gift and the Father giving His Son is striking. There was nothing more valuable in God’s possession than Jesus, and He gave Him for us. Our response should be to hold nothing back, living lives that display God’s supreme worth to those around us. [25:26]
5. Presence and testimony can lead others to faith Lazarus’ life, simply by being present and available, drew many to believe in Jesus. Sometimes, our greatest impact comes not from what we say or do, but from the testimony of a transformed life. Let us live in such a way that others are drawn to Christ through us. [13:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Setting the Scene in Bethany
[01:09] - Mary’s Costly Act of Devotion
[02:20] - The Final Days of Jesus’ Ministry
[04:17] - The Crowd and the Unspoken Testimonies
[05:35] - Simon’s Hospitality and Healing
[08:42] - Martha’s Transformed Service
[11:22] - The Need for More Servants
[12:35] - Jesus’ Example of Serving
[13:14] - Lazarus: The Power of Presence
[15:20] - Mary’s Sacrifice and Its Meaning
[17:23] - Criticism and Jesus’ Defense
[19:20] - The Widow’s Mite: Costly Giving
[21:58] - Heart Check: Sacrifice or Convenience?
[24:44] - God’s Ultimate Sacrifice
[26:49] - Living Testimonies and Impact
[28:55] - Invitation to Respond
[30:47] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Aroma of Devotion

Bible Reading

John 12:1-11 (ESV)
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.
3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,
5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.
8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,
11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

Luke 21:1-4 (ESV)
1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box,
2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.
3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Observation Questions

What different ways did Simon, Martha, Lazarus, and Mary each serve or honor Jesus during the dinner at Bethany? ([04:56])
According to the passage, what was the value of the perfume Mary used, and how did she use it? ([15:20])
How did Judas respond to Mary’s act of devotion, and what was his real motivation? ([17:23])
What impact did Lazarus’ presence have on the people who came to the house? ([13:14])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the actions of Simon, Martha, Lazarus, and Mary are all highlighted, even though only Judas and Jesus speak in the story? What does this say about the value of different kinds of service? ([04:56])
What does Mary’s willingness to pour out her most valuable possession at Jesus’ feet reveal about her heart and priorities? How does this compare to Judas’ attitude? ([16:00])
Why might sacrificial acts of devotion, like Mary’s, be misunderstood or criticized by others—even by those who seem spiritual? ([18:02])
In what ways does Lazarus’ simple presence serve as a testimony to Jesus, and how might “just being there” be a form of service or witness today? ([13:58])

Application Questions

Simon opened his home, Martha served the meal, Lazarus was simply present, and Mary gave her most precious possession. Which of these forms of service do you most relate to, and why? Is there a new way you feel challenged to serve? ([04:56])
The sermon challenged us to ask if there is anything we’re holding back from Jesus. Is there something in your life—time, resources, comfort, reputation—that you find hard to surrender? What would it look like to lay that at Jesus’ feet? ([16:42])
Mary’s act was criticized by Judas, but Jesus defended her. Have you ever experienced criticism or misunderstanding for serving or giving to God? How did you respond, and what can you learn from Mary’s example? ([18:02])
The story of the widow’s mite shows that God values the cost to our hearts, not the dollar amount. Are there areas where you tend to give out of convenience rather than sacrifice? What is one step you could take to give more sacrificially this week? ([21:58])
Lazarus’ life drew people to Jesus simply by being a living testimony. Who in your life might be watching your example? How can your presence or story point others to Christ, even without words? ([13:58])
The sermon mentioned that God gave His all by giving His Son for us. How does this truth motivate you to hold nothing back in your devotion or service? ([25:26])
Complaining about others not serving enough was contrasted with Martha’s transformed attitude. Are there areas where you find yourself complaining about others’ lack of service? How can you shift your focus to serving with a joyful heart, regardless of what others do? ([10:41])