(The following is the February 28 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Mark 14 and pay close attention to verses 3-9.)
Each Christian brings unique passions, talents, desires, and resources to Jesus for God’s glory. We come from different walks of life and span the gamut of socio-economic situations. We have varied skills and training because God has made us wonderfully unique.
This uniqueness can bring deep joy when we serve Christ in ways that perfectly match who we are and how God has equipped us. However, it is possible to look at what we bring to Christ and think it isn’t worth much compared to what others give and do. We may tell ourselves that our comparatively small gifts of time, talent, and treasure don’t amount to much or significantly impact God’s kingdom.
Today’s passage about Jesus’ anointing at Bethany reminds us that our unique ways of loving and serving Christ are significant and pleasing to him. The parallel passage in John 12 identifies the woman in the story as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Mary brought what she had – a flask of expensive perfume worth about a year’s wages. She anointed Jesus with it as an act of love. Dishonest Judas complained about it being a waste, but Jesus praised Mary’s action as noble, saying, “She has done what she could; she has anointed my body in advance for burial” (v. 8).
The disciples brought their talents to Jesus. Mary brought perfume. All offered whatever they had, including their desire and availability to learn from and serve Christ.
Never be ashamed of the gifts you bring to Jesus. Christ does not expect you to offer what you do not have. He first wants you – your heart, love, and surrendered will. Whatever else you bring pales compared to the gift of your heart.
Next Step:
What have you brought to Jesus recently? How have you loved and served him from your heart? Have you given something that is uniquely you? If not, what might you offer?