Worshipful Devotion
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 16 2026 | John 12:1–8
KEY VERSE: “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair.” (John 12:3, NKJV)
MESSAGE:
John 12:1–8 records a touching moment in the final week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus visits Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead, and Mary performs a remarkable act of devotion by anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiping them with her hair. This passage teaches profound lessons about worship, devotion, and our response to Jesus Christ.
True Devotion to Christ Is Costly (John 12:3): Mary’s act was not a casual offering. It was an extravagant act of love. True devotion to Christ always involves sacrifice. When we recognise the immeasurable worth of Jesus, we no longer measure our service by convenience or cost. The closer we come to understanding the price of our redemption, the more willing we become to give our best to Him. Genuine worship places Jesus Christ above possessions, reputation, and comfort.
Genuine Worship Is Often Misunderstood (John 12:4–6): Judas criticised Mary’s act, claiming that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Acts of sincere devotion are sometimes misunderstood by those who do not share the same love for Christ. Jesus defended Mary and affirmed the beauty of her offering. He recognised that her devotion flowed from a sincere heart.
True Worship Recognises the Cross (John 12:7–8): Jesus explained that Mary had kept the perfume for the day of His burial. As Jesus moves closer to His suffering, Mary’s devotion becomes an expression of preparation for His death. For believers, true worship is always shaped by the cross and by gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done. Worship is deepest when it is centred on the saving work of Jesus Christ.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do we give Christ our best, or merely what is convenient? Mary’s act of devotion reminds us that true worship is costly, sincere, and centred on Christ’s sacrifice. As we reflect on this passage, we are challenged to examine our own devotion to the Lord.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You are worthy of my highest devotion. Teach me to worship You sincerely and to offer my life in gratitude for Your sacrifice. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: COSTLY The word costly in this verse reflects the Greek word polytimos, which means “very valuable,” “precious,” or “of great worth.”
John uses this word to show the weight of Mary’s offering. What she poured on Jesus was not ordinary. It was precious and expensive. Her act revealed how highly she valued Him. True worship honours Christ in a way that recognises His worth. When the heart sees Jesus rightly, devotion is no longer driven by convenience.
Reflect on this:
What you count as worthy of great value shapes what you are willing to give. When Christ becomes precious in your heart, worship becomes a glad and costly offering.
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