I Will Not Betray My HeartSample

AN EXTRAVAGANT HEART

One day when Jesus is eating with mean-spirited religious people, a prostitute comes to the table and begins to weep at Jesus’ feet, causing a scene. She proceeds to pour the entire contents of a perfume box—worth roughly a year's wages—onto Jesus’ feet, cleaning them, and then wipes his feet with her hair. How a woman like this could have such a costly gift in her possession could only mean one thing—she had saved a part of her intended dowry, what was meant for her wedding night, as a memory of the possibility of better days.

The Pharisees are angry that Jesus is allowing this woman to even touch him; the treasurer for Jesus’ ministry is upset with the “waste” because of where the money could’ve been spent (or laundered); Jesus receives her extravagant worship, explaining that the woman has had a revelation of who Jesus is and what Jesus has saved her from.

This passage may be the greatest example of worship in the Bible—we see both physical posture (upon her knees, bowing down), the offering up of costly material (an entire year's wages), and a heart completely overwhelmed by God’s goodness (thankfulness).

Is our worship extravagant, or do we only worship God by our lip service? Does our worship make religious people uncomfortable, and sinners comfortable? Are we sinners saved by grace, or religious people saved by our own deserving? Perhaps only our worship can tell.

PRAYER
Father—make us hungry and thirsty for the glory of Your Son, Jesus. Come by Your Holy Spirit and renew our hearts in the wonder and joy of our salvation, in Jesus' Name!