God regards with how much love a person performs a work, rather than how much he does. ~Thomas a Kempis~
Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair {John 12:3}.
People who love beautiful and precious things will spare no expense or effort to get hold of a specific object or item they badly want. For one person it could be a painting, for another a veteran car and for another a postage stamp. Sometimes someone will give the one they love an expensive gift that they can barely afford.
Jesus was loved by His followers in spite of the fact that His family members hardly understood Him, and that His group of disciples were confused and uncertain themselves. On top of this there was the opposition of spiritual leaders who were supposed to believe in Him. The family in Bethany counted among those who loved Him most. Each of them loved Jesus in their own specific way. Martha met all His earthly needs; Lazarus witnessed about the great miracle that happened to him, and Mary with her unsparing love, worshiped Him. She expressed her love by the extravagance of her expensive gift to Him. She didn't do it to receive some favor from Him. She did it with a pure and sincere love.
We can never pay Jesus for His great love for us. We can, however, express our love for Him in actions that tell Him, "I love You." Some people do it by working hard, serving in His church, others by soulful worship, uplifting music, or some special work of art. If you feel the need to show your love for Christ, do it now, do it big and don't count the cost.
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to love You sincerely and to make sacrifices for You. Amen.
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