ESOCS Devotional 14 July 2026 – Extravagant Worship
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” John12:3 NKJV
TEXT: JOHN12:1-11
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
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John 12:3 gives us a powerful image of extravagant worship. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, poured out a very costly perfume, worth a year’s wages, on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. Her act was not driven by emotion alone, but by deep love, sacrifice, and spiritual insight.
Mary recognized something others didn’t: Jesus was worthy of her best. She didn’t hold back, because her heart was filled with gratitude and reverence. Her worship was personal, costly, and pure. While others questioned Jesus’ identity, she honoured Him ahead of His death and burial.
True worship is not about performance or appearance. It’s about how much we are willing to lay at Jesus’ feet. Mary’s worship filled the room with fragrance, symbolizing how genuine devotion leaves a lasting impact on those around us.
Yet, extravagant worship is often misunderstood. Judas called it wasteful (John 12:4–6), but Jesus defended Mary, calling her act beautiful (Mark 14:6). When you give Jesus your best, your time, resources, and heart, some won’t understand, but Jesus will.
Reflections
- What is God asking me to lay at His feet in worship?
- Am I holding back my worship due to fear of criticism or loss?
- Does my worship reflect the worth of Jesus in my life?
Action Step
Give sacrificially, your time, talents, or treasure, as an act of worship. Worship in private, not just in public, cultivating a heart of devotion. Ignore critics, and focus on pleasing Jesus alone.
Prayer
- Lord Jesus, you are worthy of my most extravagant worship.
- Help me to give you my best, holding nothing back.
- May my life be a fragrance that honours you, in your name I pray. Amen.
Further Reading: Exodus 32:15-29; 2 Kings 24:18-20; 1 Timothy 1:1-17
ESOCS Devotional 14 July 2026
