Does it Cost You?
“Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.””
Matthew 26:6-13 NLT
I love this story about Mary and her tremendous sacrifice. The more I reflect on her gift, the more I am challenged with this question: “Does it cost you?”—when it comes to every aspect of my life lived for Jesus.
Personally, I wrestle with a phrase often used in Christian circles. If it sounds a little off at first, hang with me until the end. The phrase in question? “The free gift of salvation.”
When I think about all that Jesus endured—the pain, the cross, releasing His spirit, and rising from the dead—I can’t say it didn’t cost Him anything. He allowed His body to be beaten. He was mocked, ridiculed, and shamed. He literally gave everything so we could be in right standing with God.
And for us? Well, it’s not exactly “free” either. When we give our lives to Jesus, we accept two vital roles He takes in our lives:
He is our Savior. The price He paid on the cross covers our sins and failures and redeems us into right-standing with God.
He is our Lord. We submit our lives to His will and His purpose. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. My life is no longer my own—it belongs to Him. He made me on purpose, for a purpose. My goal? To live that out.
Living for Jesus costs us everything, too.
Are we willing to live a life that truly costs us something in worship to Him? Mary’s sacrifice cost her dearly. That alabaster jar was her most valuable possession, and she poured it out completely for Jesus.
Some mocked her, others criticized her—but Jesus honored her. And what’s really special? We are living proof of His words:
“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
Mary is remembered because she lived a life that cost her everything for Jesus. May we follow in her footsteps and live a life that costs us, too.
Prayer:
Jesus, I pray for those reading this today. Show us the areas in our lives where we’ve been holding back. Help us live the life You’ve called us to—one of meaning, purpose, and sacrifice. You set the ultimate example by giving everything for us. Almighty God, help us give everything back to You. Amen.
