Extravagant Love

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. (Matthew 26:6-7)

Have you ever been moved to do something extravagant for someone you love? Not because they asked, but simply because your heart couldn't contain the gratitude you felt?
 
That's what happened with this woman. She brought perfume worth an entire year's wages and poured it over Jesus. Not a little dab—the entire jar. Can you imagine the scene? The disciples were shocked. "What a waste!" they whispered.

But Jesus saw something they missed. He saw a heart so transformed by His love that holding back was impossible.

I've been thinking about what it means to be an "alabaster giver" today. It's not just about money. It's about a heart that says, "Nothing is too precious for Jesus."
 
You see, alabaster giving doesn't come from manipulation or pressure. It comes only through the Holy Spirit's urging. This woman didn't give because someone convinced her or made her feel guilty. She gave because she couldn't not give. Her heart was so full of gratitude that holding back her most precious possession felt impossible.

Here's what fascinates me: She gave in silence. The text doesn't record a single word from her lips. She didn't announce her gift or defend herself when criticized. She simply gave and let her action speak.
 
Most remarkable of all, Jesus defended her. When everyone saw waste, Jesus saw worship. "She has done a beautiful thing to me," He said. Can you imagine those words washing over her? The Savior Himself validating her extravagant gift!

Where is the Spirit urging you toward alabaster giving? What precious thing are you holding that He's asking you to pour out? It might be your resources, time, dreams, or comfort.
Today, listen for that gentle prompting. And remember—what looks like waste to the world may be worship in the eyes of Jesus.