Unrecognized Devotion: Lessons from the Alabaster Jar
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the story of the woman who broke the alabaster jar of expensive nard perfume to anoint Jesus. This story, found in Mark 14, is also recounted in Matthew, Luke, and John, albeit with some variations that have led to complications in understanding the exact details. Despite these discrepancies, the spiritual lessons remain profound.
To set the scene, Jesus was in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper, reclining at the table. This was a common practice during meals, where people would lean on their sides and stretch out their bodies. The woman, whose identity is debated among scholars, came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, worth more than 300 denarii, equivalent to a year's wages. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus' head, an act that seemed wasteful to many present, including Jesus' disciples.
The disciples, particularly Judas, were indignant, questioning why such expensive perfume was wasted when it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. They rebuked her harshly, not understanding the spiritual significance of her act. Jesus, however, defended her, saying she had done a beautiful thing by preparing His body for burial. He emphasized that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
This leads us to the first spiritual lesson: true service to God often goes unrecognized and unappreciated by those around us. The woman’s act was not for self-glorification but was motivated by a deep sense of calling and devotion to Jesus. She did not seek approval from others; her only concern was to honor Jesus.
The second lesson is about the cost of true discipleship. The woman’s act of breaking the jar symbolizes total commitment and sacrifice. She did not hold back any part of the perfume for herself but gave it all to Jesus. This challenges us to examine our own motivations for serving God. Are we willing to give our all, even when it costs us dearly?
The third lesson is about the eternal significance of our actions. Jesus assured that what the woman did would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This teaches us that acts of genuine devotion and service to God have eternal value, even if they go unnoticed by the world.
The fourth lesson is about humility in service. The woman’s name is not mentioned in Mark’s account, highlighting that true service to God does not seek recognition. This aligns with John the Baptist’s declaration that Jesus must increase while he must decrease. Our service should point others to Jesus, not to ourselves.
Finally, the fifth lesson is about the opposition we may face when serving God. The woman faced harsh criticism from those closest to Jesus, yet she remained steadfast. This reminds us that serving God often involves facing opposition and discouragement, even from those we expect to support us. However, the approval that truly matters comes from Jesus.
In conclusion, the story of the woman with the alabaster jar teaches us about the nature of true service to God: it is selfless, sacrificial, humble, and often unrecognized by the world but eternally significant in the eyes of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Service to God Often Goes Unrecognized: The woman’s act of anointing Jesus was misunderstood and criticized by those around her, including the disciples. This teaches us that genuine acts of service to God may not always be appreciated or understood by others. Our motivation should be to honor God, not to seek approval from people. [41:23]
2. The Cost of True Discipleship: The woman broke the alabaster jar, symbolizing total commitment and sacrifice. She gave her most valuable possession to Jesus without holding back. This challenges us to examine our own willingness to sacrifice for God. Are we ready to give our all, even when it costs us dearly? [32:14]
3. Eternal Significance of Our Actions: Jesus assured that the woman’s act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This teaches us that acts of genuine devotion and service to God have eternal value, even if they go unnoticed by the world. Our focus should be on pleasing God, knowing that He sees and remembers our sacrifices. [45:46]
4. Humility in Service: The woman’s name is not mentioned in Mark’s account, highlighting that true service to God does not seek recognition. This aligns with John the Baptist’s declaration that Jesus must increase while he must decrease. Our service should point others to Jesus, not to ourselves. [47:54]
5. Facing Opposition in Service: The woman faced harsh criticism from those closest to Jesus, yet she remained steadfast. This reminds us that serving God often involves facing opposition and discouragement, even from those we expect to support us. However, the approval that truly matters comes from Jesus. [40:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Introduction to the Story
[06:28] - Jesus Predicts His Death
[08:00] - Setting the Scene in Bethany
[13:54] - The Act of Anointing
[19:06] - The Significance of Breaking the Jar
[23:57] - Motivations for Serving God
[28:36] - Modern-Day Examples of Sacrifice
[32:14] - The Cost of True Discipleship
[35:54] - Disciples' Reaction and Jesus' Response
[40:47] - Facing Opposition in Service
[45:46] - Eternal Significance of Our Actions
[47:54] - Humility in Service
[50:34] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 14:3-9 - The story of the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume.
2. John 12:1-8 - A similar account where a woman anoints Jesus, identified as Mary.
3. Luke 7:36-50 - Another account of a woman anointing Jesus, with some variations.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the setting of the story where the woman anointed Jesus with the expensive perfume? ([08:00])
2. How did the disciples, particularly Judas, react to the woman’s act of anointing Jesus? ([20:46])
3. What did Jesus say in defense of the woman’s actions? ([39:44])
4. What did Jesus predict about the remembrance of the woman’s act? ([45:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the woman chose to break the alabaster jar and pour all the perfume on Jesus instead of just using a small amount? ([19:06])
2. How does the woman’s act of anointing Jesus challenge our understanding of true discipleship and sacrifice? ([32:14])
3. What does Jesus’ defense of the woman’s actions teach us about the eternal significance of our acts of devotion? ([45:46])
4. How does the woman’s anonymity in Mark’s account emphasize the importance of humility in service? ([47:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your service to God went unrecognized or was misunderstood. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([40:47])
2. The woman’s act of breaking the jar symbolizes total commitment and sacrifice. What is one area of your life where you feel called to make a significant sacrifice for God? ([19:06])
3. Jesus assured that the woman’s act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. How does this assurance affect your motivation to serve God, even in small ways? ([45:46])
4. The woman faced harsh criticism from those closest to Jesus. Have you ever faced opposition or discouragement from unexpected sources while serving God? How did you respond? ([40:47])
5. The woman’s name is not mentioned in Mark’s account, highlighting humility in service. How can you practice humility in your current roles and responsibilities? ([47:54])
6. Think of a specific act of service you can perform this week that may go unnoticed by others but is significant in God’s eyes. What will you do, and how will you ensure your motivation is to honor God alone? ([24:57])
7. Reflect on the cost of true discipleship. Are there any comforts or securities you are holding onto that God may be calling you to let go of? How can you take a step towards greater sacrifice and commitment? ([32:14])
Devotional
### Day 1: True Service to God Often Goes Unrecognized
True service to God is often misunderstood and criticized by those around us. The woman’s act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume was seen as wasteful by the disciples, particularly Judas, who thought the money could have been better spent on the poor. However, Jesus defended her, recognizing the spiritual significance of her act. This teaches us that genuine acts of service to God may not always be appreciated or understood by others. Our motivation should be to honor God, not to seek approval from people. The woman’s act was not for self-glorification but was motivated by a deep sense of calling and devotion to Jesus. She did not seek approval from others; her only concern was to honor Jesus.
Jesus emphasized that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached, highlighting the eternal significance of her devotion. This reminds us that true service to God often goes unrecognized and unappreciated by those around us. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to serve God, even when it is misunderstood or criticized by others. Our focus should be on pleasing God, knowing that He sees and remembers our sacrifices. [41:23]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent act of service you performed that went unrecognized or was misunderstood. How can you find encouragement in knowing that God sees and values your efforts?
### Day 2: The Cost of True Discipleship
The woman broke the alabaster jar, symbolizing total commitment and sacrifice. She gave her most valuable possession to Jesus without holding back. This act of breaking the jar and pouring the perfume on Jesus' head was a significant sacrifice, as the perfume was worth more than 300 denarii, equivalent to a year's wages. The disciples, particularly Judas, were indignant, questioning why such expensive perfume was wasted when it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, Jesus defended her, recognizing the spiritual significance of her act and stating that she had done a beautiful thing by preparing His body for burial.
This challenges us to examine our own willingness to sacrifice for God. Are we ready to give our all, even when it costs us dearly? True discipleship requires total commitment and sacrifice. We must be willing to give up our most valuable possessions, time, and resources to serve God. This act of total commitment and sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the cost of true discipleship. [32:14]
Bible Passage:
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'" (Luke 9:23-24, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
### Day 3: Eternal Significance of Our Actions
Jesus assured that the woman’s act of anointing Him with expensive perfume would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This teaches us that acts of genuine devotion and service to God have eternal value, even if they go unnoticed by the world. The woman’s act was not for self-glorification but was motivated by a deep sense of calling and devotion to Jesus. She did not seek approval from others; her only concern was to honor Jesus. Jesus emphasized that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached, highlighting the eternal significance of her devotion.
This reminds us that our actions, when done with a pure heart and genuine devotion to God, have eternal significance. Even if the world does not recognize or appreciate our efforts, God sees and remembers them. Our focus should be on pleasing God, knowing that He sees and remembers our sacrifices. This teaches us that acts of genuine devotion and service to God have eternal value, even if they go unnoticed by the world. [45:46]
Bible Passage:
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a recent act of service or devotion you performed. How does knowing that God sees and values your actions, even if they go unnoticed by others, change your perspective on serving Him?
### Day 4: Humility in Service
The woman’s name is not mentioned in Mark’s account, highlighting that true service to God does not seek recognition. This aligns with John the Baptist’s declaration that Jesus must increase while he must decrease. The woman’s act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume was a significant sacrifice, yet she did not seek recognition or praise for her actions. Her only concern was to honor Jesus. This teaches us that true service to God is humble and selfless. Our service should point others to Jesus, not to ourselves.
This challenges us to examine our own motivations for serving God. Are we seeking recognition and praise from others, or are we genuinely serving God out of love and devotion? True service to God is humble and selfless, seeking to honor Him rather than ourselves. This teaches us that true service to God does not seek recognition but is motivated by a deep sense of calling and devotion to Jesus. [47:54]
Bible Passage:
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about your recent acts of service. Are there any areas where you have sought recognition or praise from others? How can you shift your focus to serving God humbly and selflessly?
### Day 5: Facing Opposition in Service
The woman faced harsh criticism from those closest to Jesus, yet she remained steadfast in her act of devotion. The disciples, particularly Judas, were indignant, questioning why such expensive perfume was wasted when it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, Jesus defended her, recognizing the spiritual significance of her act and stating that she had done a beautiful thing by preparing His body for burial. This teaches us that serving God often involves facing opposition and discouragement, even from those we expect to support us.
This reminds us that the approval that truly matters comes from Jesus. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to serve God, even when it is misunderstood or criticized by others. Our focus should be on pleasing God, knowing that He sees and remembers our sacrifices. This teaches us that serving God often involves facing opposition and discouragement, even from those we expect to support us. However, the approval that truly matters comes from Jesus. [40:47]
Bible Passage:
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account." (Matthew 5:10-11, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a time when you faced opposition or criticism for serving God. How can you find strength and encouragement in knowing that Jesus sees and values your efforts, even when others do not?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you serve God, and if you're trying to give your expensive alabaster jar, and you're calculating in your mind, Lord, if I do this, it will crimp my weekend lifestyle. If I do this, this might cost me financially. If I do this, I may never get married. If I do this, I'm not going to have such a happy life. If you calculate, if you judge, and if you think through everything so that your life would be fine and perfect and comfortable, then Lord, I'll serve you someone. You are in no shape to compare yourself to this woman who so selflessly is willing to break that jar to never use again." [32:14]
2. "You know, I dream, I dream, and I vision, and I vision, and I think, and I pray, and I ask God, God, let our church be filled with people like that. Lord, let me live like that. As much as you have given me to enjoy, Lord, I want to serve you because you called me. I want to serve you because I'm serving you. I want to serve you, not to self-serve and serve myself and to be successful and to make a name for myself, but I want to serve you just because you called me to serve." [32:46]
3. "If you want approval from people, it's the people who will never understand what God has called you to do. Do you know when I wanted to be a minister, it was none other than my own father and mother who opposed from me going into ministry. The people who loved me the most said you shouldn't go into ministry. Thank God I disobeyed your mom. I'm standing in front of you. That's exactly what's taking place here. Even Jesus's own disciples are yelling at her. They're angry at her. It wasn't their money to begin with. Why aren't they so presumptuous? Yet they're treating her badly." [44:06]
4. "When you receive the call from God and when you're serving God, don't expect people to applaud you, approve you, and say, job well done, keep on good work. Actually, it's normally the very closest people when you hear from God and are trying to serve, are going to be your arch enemies and tell you and discourage you and make you feel horrible for serving God. The very people who you think should be encouraging you are the people who discourage you, yell at you, be angry at you." [40:47]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus assures people, including this lady, I want all of you to know what this lady did will be eternally remembered. Not only will it be eternally remembered, but everywhere where the gospel will be preached, everywhere where the Bible is reached, even in 2014, October 12, in Buena Park, California, when a man named Joshua Park gets up to preach, he will be talking about this woman. It will be remembered." [45:46]
2. "The true, the true essence of people who serve God, they have to be motivated by God. And they have to serve God because it came from God and they are serving God and not in order to impress anybody, nor in order to make yourself feel good by serving Him." [26:35]
3. "If you want your face to come out on some church bulletin saying the highest donor, highest contributor, highest person that made an impact in our thing, you just defeated the very purpose that God called you to serve. This reminds me of John the Baptist. John the Baptist said, Jesus must increase and I must decrease. As I serve God, as I serve the Lord, Jesus has to be bright. And I have to shine away. And I have to become insignificant and never bring attention and glory upon me." [49:30]
4. "When you read this text further down, Jesus says she did the good thing. She's trying to prepare my barrier. So when Jesus dies on the cross, their custom is to put incense or whatever on people, the perfume on their body, and then they bury him in the cave. But if you remember, Jesus literally has no time to go through that proper process. So nobody really anoints his body after he passes away at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. And then knowing that process would be left out, it almost seems like this woman, in my speculation, did not even know that Jesus would die probably." [22:23]
5. "Dear brothers and sisters, this woman's breaking of the alabaster jar has to be a challenge to all of us. All of us, we all have some sort of jars. It could be our time, it could be our gift, it could be our training from universities, it could be just whatever we have accomplished. And if you are trying to serve God because of just the way it makes you feel, just because pastor puts on some sort of guilt trip, because there is need and if you don't serve, nobody can serve, say, oh, I don't want to do, I guess I got to step up and do this. If you ever serve God in that sort of mindset, when things do not go well, you quickly get discouraged." [25:30]
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