Crazy Money! An Alabaster Jar of Perfume

It’s Crazy Money Day! 

In Mark, chapter 14, we see a powerful picture of worship. Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at a table in the home of Simon the Leper, when Mary approached him. She came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She broke it and poured the contents on his head. It was incredibly valuable, something that could have been sold for a large sum of money. Those around her didn’t understand. Some even criticized her, calling it wasteful, but Jesus saw it differently. He called it beautiful.

You see, true worship is about sacrifice. Romans 12:1 tells us to offer our lives as living sacrifices, and sometimes, that means giving our very best, even when it costs us something very significant. Mary’s act wasn’t logical. It wasn’t efficient, but it was deeply personal. It was an expression of love that said, “Jesus, you’re worth more than anything I have.” She risked being misunderstood, even ridiculed, but her devotion to Christ outweighed her fear. Jesus responded by saying that her story would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. It’s a reminder that our actions, especially our acts of worship and generosity, have a lasting impact.

In Matthew 25, Jesus says that what we do for others, we do for Him. If we truly recognize who Christ is and all He’s done, giving Him our best is not a loss. It’s our expression of worship because he is worth it all!

Now, I’m excited to invite you to join us in Knoxville, Tennessee, this September 10th through 12th. We want to celebrate all that God has done through Crown over the last 50 years. Learn more at crown.org/50years.