Is Jesus Worth It? A Call to Devotion
Summary
Thank you, Lord, for your goodness and the privilege of gathering together as your people. Today, we reflected on the question that shapes so much of our lives: “Is it worth it?” We ask this about our time, our money, our relationships, and our efforts. But the deeper question is, “Is Jesus worth it?”—worth following, worth giving our best, worth centering our lives around.
We explored this through the story in Mark 14, where Mary pours out an incredibly costly ointment on Jesus, an act that others saw as wasteful. The value of her gift—nearly a year’s wages—provoked indignation from onlookers, but Jesus called it “a beautiful thing.” This moment challenges us to consider what we value most and what we are willing to give for the sake of Christ. Mary’s act was not just about extravagance; it was about recognizing the surpassing worth of Jesus and responding with wholehearted devotion.
We compared this with other life choices—lavish spending on experiences, sacrificial love in relationships, costly commitments in vocation and mission. Each scenario asks us to weigh what is truly worth our investment. The world has its own measures of value, but the kingdom of God turns those upside down. In the end, all the things we chase—status, wealth, even the most prestigious careers—will fade. What endures is the church, the people of God, and the eternal impact of a life lived in worship and obedience.
The call is not to despise good things or to live with guilt over blessings, but to see all of life as an opportunity to worship. Whether in our work, our giving, our relationships, or our daily routines, we are invited to pour out what is precious to us for the sake of Christ and his kingdom. The question is not just what we are willing to give up, but what we are willing to give to Jesus, trusting that he is worth more than anything else. Let us be intentional, together as a church, to invest in what is eternal and to live lives that declare the incomparable worth of Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- True worship is measured by what we are willing to give, not just by what we are willing to do without. Mary’s act of pouring out costly ointment was seen as wasteful by others, but Jesus saw it as beautiful because it reflected her heart’s devotion. Our worship is not about the size of the gift, but the value we place on Christ above all else. [24:54]
- The world’s standards of worth are often at odds with the values of the kingdom of God. What others call waste, Jesus may call worship. We are constantly invited to re-examine our priorities and to let the surpassing worth of Christ reshape what we consider valuable in our lives. [36:16]
- Every act of sacrifice for Jesus, no matter how misunderstood or criticized, is seen and honored by him. Mary’s story is remembered wherever the gospel is preached, reminding us that nothing given to Christ is ever truly lost or wasted. Our unseen acts of faithfulness have eternal significance. [22:17]
- The question “Is Jesus worth it?” is not just theoretical—it is answered in the daily choices we make about our time, money, relationships, and ambitions. Whether we are in the workplace, at home, or serving in the church, our lives are meant to be lived as acts of worship, investing in what is eternal rather than what is temporary. [40:21]
- The legacy of our lives will not be measured by our careers, possessions, or achievements, but by our participation in God’s eternal kingdom. At the end of history, only what is done for Christ will remain. Let us be intentional to invest in people, in the church, and in the mission of God, knowing that these are the things that are truly worth it. [39:29]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:05] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[17:16] - Personal Introduction and Context
[18:05] - The French Laundry Story: What Is Worth It?
[19:43] - The Central Question: Is Jesus Worth It?
[21:33] - Reading Mark 14:3-9
[22:47] - Simon the Leper and Mary’s Identity
[24:54] - Mary’s Costly Act of Worship
[26:42] - The Indignation of the Onlookers
[27:43] - The Value of the Ointment: Counting the Cost
[29:24] - Everyday Examples: What Do We Consider Worth It?
[34:51] - Worship as Giving Worth
[36:16] - Responses to Jesus: Mary, Judas, and Peter
[38:44] - The Surpassing Worth of Christ
[40:21] - Living Lives of Eternal Value
[41:26] - Reflection Questions and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Is Jesus Worth It?"
---
### Bible Reading
Mark 14:3-9 (ESV)
> And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. What did Mary do with the expensive ointment, and how did the people around her react? (Mark 14:3-5) [24:54]
2. According to Jesus, why was Mary’s act not a waste, but “a beautiful thing”? (Mark 14:6) [22:03]
3. What was the estimated value of the ointment Mary used, and why is that detail important in the story? [27:12]
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of things people consider “worth it” in everyday life? [29:24]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the onlookers were so upset about Mary’s act of pouring out the ointment? What does this reveal about their values compared to Mary’s? [26:42]
2. The sermon mentions that Judas, Peter, and Mary each responded differently to Jesus. What do their responses show us about what it means to value Jesus? [36:52]
3. Jesus says, “You will not always have me.” What does this statement mean in the context of the story, and how might it shape our understanding of worship and priorities? [22:03]
4. The sermon says that the world’s standards of worth are often at odds with the kingdom of God. Can you think of ways this tension shows up in your own life or in our culture? [36:16]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to ask, “Is Jesus worth it?” in our daily choices. Think about your time, money, or energy—what is one area where you struggle to see Jesus as worth your best? What would it look like to change that this week? [20:01]
2. Mary’s act was misunderstood and criticized, but Jesus honored her. Have you ever felt criticized for a choice you made because of your faith? How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [26:42]
3. The world often measures worth by status, wealth, or achievement. What is one “worldly” thing you are tempted to chase after, and how can you re-center your priorities on what is eternal? [39:29]
4. The sermon says that our lives are meant to be lived as acts of worship, not just in church but in our work, relationships, and routines. What is one practical way you can “pour out” something precious to Jesus this week? [40:21]
5. Think about a recent decision you made about spending money, time, or effort. What motivated your choice? Was it more influenced by the world’s values or by the surpassing worth of Christ? [35:43]
6. The story of Mary reminds us that nothing given to Christ is ever wasted. Is there something you’ve been holding back from God because you’re afraid it won’t matter or be appreciated? What would it look like to offer it to Him? [22:17]
7. The sermon encourages us to invest in people, the church, and God’s mission. What is one step you can take this month to intentionally invest in something that has eternal value? [40:56]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that see Jesus as worth more than anything else, and for courage to live lives that reflect His surpassing worth.
Devotional
Day 1: Extravagant Worship—Giving Jesus Our Best
Mary’s act of breaking the alabaster jar and pouring out costly nard on Jesus was an act of extravagant worship, demonstrating that nothing was too valuable to give to Him. Her willingness to offer something so precious, despite criticism from others, shows that true worship is about giving our best to Jesus, not holding back or calculating the cost. This challenges us to consider what we value most and whether we are willing to lay it down for Christ, trusting that He is worthy of our deepest devotion and sacrifice. [24:54]
Mark 14:3-9 (ESV)
And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
Reflection: What is one “costly” thing—time, resource, or comfort—you can offer to Jesus today as an act of worship?
Day 2: The Question of Worth—Is Jesus Worth Following?
Every day, we weigh what is worth our time, money, and energy, but the most important question is whether Jesus is worth following above all else. The story of Mary, contrasted with the responses of Judas and Peter, invites us to examine our own hearts and ask if we truly believe Jesus is worth our devotion, even when it costs us something significant. Our answer to this question shapes how we live, what we prioritize, and how we respond to Jesus’ call in our lives. [20:01]
Mark 8:27-29 (ESV)
And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you hesitate to follow Jesus fully because you’re unsure if He’s “worth it”? What would it look like to trust Him with that area today?
Day 3: Worship Is Giving Worth—Our Everyday Choices Matter
Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a daily decision to give worth to Jesus through how we live, spend, and serve. The word “worship” itself means to ascribe worth, and every choice we make—how we use our time, money, and energy—reflects what we truly value. When we intentionally invest in things that are eternal and honor God, our ordinary routines become acts of worship that matter in God’s kingdom. [35:25]
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 ordinary activity you can intentionally offer to God as worship today—at work, at home, or in your relationships?
Day 4: Investing in What Is Eternal
The world offers many things that seem valuable—careers, possessions, status—but only what is done for Christ and His kingdom will last. The reminder that even the greatest companies and achievements will fade, but the church and God’s people will remain, calls us to invest our lives in what is truly eternal. By blessing others, supporting God’s mission, and loving those around us, we participate in something that outlasts this world. [39:29]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Reflection: What is one way you can shift your resources—time, finances, or talents—toward something that has eternal value this week?
Day 5: Living a Life That Honors Jesus Daily
Jesus desires to be part of every aspect of our lives, not just our “spiritual” moments, but in our work, relationships, and daily routines. Honoring Jesus means inviting Him into our everyday decisions and seeking to bless others, further His kingdom, and love as He loves. Each day is an opportunity to show Jesus His worth by how we live, serve, and love, making our whole life an act of worship that brings Him glory. [42:10]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Reflection: How can you intentionally include Jesus in your daily routines today, so that your life reflects His worth to those around you?
Quotes
Every day we ask ourselves this question. Is this worth my time? Is this worth my effort? Is this worth my money? Is he or she worth my heart? Is this worth my life to give to this thing? The real question this morning is, is Jesus worth it? Is Jesus worth following? And what does that really look like? [00:19:44]
But Jesus asks in the middle of Mark, at least Mark, the author puts it in the middle of his book in chapter 8. Um who do you say I am? And really, that's the question that Jesus asks all of us. Who do you say I am? And what does that mean if we call him Lord and if we call him Savior? [00:20:45]
And I hope to look at this passage to help us to reflect a little bit about this story as well as our lives and the things and how we live our lives. How we spend our money, time, energy, how we give to so many great things that are worthy. um and what it means in the context of following Jesus. [00:21:27]
This is a very expensive oil. It's not a common olive oil. It's not a perfume even. It was something that was saved for special occasions. Um, a wedding dress, a tuxedo. Usually, it's just worn for a wedding. Champagne is usually, you know, you drink that special celebration and not an everyday drink unless, I don't know, you're a crazy rich Asian or, you know, someone like that, right? [00:25:08]
If you remember, Joseph of Arythea and Nicodemus when Jesus died asked permission from Pilate to for Jesus's body and they embalmed his body with this nard uh nard. Um what she does though causes a commotion and it makes people angry. It says indignant. [00:26:57]
This passage gives us a clue of how much this is worth. It says 300 dinari. Um we are told that one dinari was worth one day's wages. So 300 dinari 300 days wages is about 10 months of wages. That's a lot. Um is that a lot of money? [00:27:32]
And I want us to reflect on this sentiment, this feeling, because this emotion gets to gets at what it means to worship God and what it means in our lives that we pour our lives into different things and we get excited about different things and we get angry at different things. [00:28:34]
So to our pastors, is that a lot of money? Um, I want to put this in the context because people were upset about what happened here over 10 months wages. They thought it was a waste. And I want us to reflect on this sentiment, this feeling, because this emotion gets to gets at what it means to worship God. [00:28:38]
Now, Mary drops 10 months wages, we might say, on Jesus' head at his feet. $18,000, you know, we'll just say in terms of social security, that's like one years of UC tuition for those of you who are sending kids this year. One years of tuition. And keep in mind, this is a one-time use. [00:34:28]
The word worship comes from the word Anglo-Saxon wordship. Yeah. Um which means to give worth to someone or to something. To give worth to someone or something is worth. Right? It's the same question that we ask ourselves whether we realize it or not every day. Is this worth my time? [00:35:17]
Should I serve at church? Should I date this person? Should I remodel the house? Should I spend half a million dollars on my kids' education to see them become missionaries? Right? Should I forgive a person? Is that worth it? Back to verse four. [00:36:03]
Mary thought so because Jesus was everything to Mary and she was willing to give everything to Jesus. Now, in this chapter 14, there are two other people that the author Mark wants to show their responses. There is Judas who betrays Jesus later over 30 silver coins which by the way is four months wages. [00:36:39]
After hearing Jesus teach, after seeing his the signs and miracles that he performs, after relating to this Jesus, Jesus is asking this question, who do you say I am? And after that, is he worth following? Is he worth it? What we see in the gospel stories are different responses. [00:37:38]
But the Bible reminds us is that at the end of time, at the end of history, all of these companies will be gone. They will be nothing. But what will remain is the church. You believers, the body of Christ, followers of Jesus. So it matters how we live our lives. [00:39:29]
Our everyday life matters as an act of worship. how we spend our time with people, investing in loving the others, caring for those who are sick or betrayed or lost, sharing the good news of Jesus in that way, working out as a teacher or as an engineer or an accountant or homekeeper. [00:40:00]
Let us put our money where it counts and where it matters that are important. And whether that is blessing others with your money uh giving to the missions of the church or or things in this world that are that are matter, let us invest in things that are eternally eternal because those are the things that are worth it. [00:40:40]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 19, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?