The Costly Devotion Jesus Will Never Forget
How Mary’s bold act of love shows us the heart of true discipleship.
As we journey through Lent, we find ourselves once again tracing the path Jesus walked toward the cross. And along that path, we see not only Jesus Himself but also the disciples who surrounded Him—some faithfully, others less so.
Today, I want to explore what it really means to be a disciple. The word disciple comes from the Greek mathētēs, meaning “learner” or “follower.” In first-century Judaism, a disciple wasn’t just someone who studied a rabbi’s teachings academically. It was someone who devoted their whole life to emulating their rabbi’s way of life. They followed so closely that they were said to be “covered in the dust of the rabbi.”
When Jesus invites men and women to follow Him, this is the invitation He offers—to learn His way, not just His words.
And one of the best ways to learn is through the examples of others: what to do and, sometimes, what not to do.
Learning by Watching
When I first learned to teach, I didn’t have the benefit of a preaching class or a teaching lab. I learned by watching others—learning from their strengths, but also from their mistakes. Over time, by emulating faithful examples and gaining experience, I found my own voice.
Discipleship works the same way. We grow by watching faithful examples and allowing their devotion to shape our own.
Today, we turn to a moving story from Mark’s Gospel—a story that paints a stark contrast between devotion and betrayal. From this story we learn a simple, but significant lesson:
Discipleship is a life of devotion.
Let’s step into this story together.
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A Dangerous Plot
Our story opens with a somber scene.
“The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a cunning way to arrest Jesus and kill him. ‘Not during the festival,’ they said, ‘so that there won’t be a riot among the people.’” (Mark 14:1–2, CSB)
It’s tempting to paint these religious leaders as one-dimensional villains, but that would be too simplistic. These were deeply religious men, devoted to their way of faith. Yet that very devotion had become distorted.
Rather than staying devoted to God Himself, they became devoted to their own system, their own power, their own way. And when Jesus—the long-awaited Messiah—threatened their control, they decided He had to die.
Notice: their concern isn’t about the morality of killing an innocent man. It’s about logistics. How can they kill Him without causing a riot?
At the risk of insulting your intelligence, let me just say, this is not an example of true discipleship.
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A Beautiful Act of Devotion
Now, in sharp contrast, Mark introduces us to a woman whose name he doesn’t mention—but whom John identifies as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
While Jesus reclines at a meal hosted by Simon the Leper—yet another outcast whom Jesus embraced—Mary approaches with a small, tear-shaped alabaster jar filled with incredibly expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours the perfume over Jesus’ head.
In the room, jaws drop. Mark tells us the disciples “scolded” her harshly—the word literally means they “flared their nostrils in anger.”
They saw her act as wasteful.
But Jesus saw it as beautiful.
“Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing for me.” (Mark 14:6, CSB)
Mary’s act meant far more than hospitality. It was an anointing—declaring Jesus as the Messiah, preparing Him for His death and resurrection. In Israel’s tradition, anointing was reserved for kings and priests, and it was usually done by men. Here, a woman steps forward in courage and humility, and Jesus welcomes it.
Where the twelve male disciples argued over greatness and misunderstood Jesus’ mission, Mary understood. She didn’t cling to her treasure. She poured it out.
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Courage, Humility, and Generosity
Mary’s story is framed by two acts of betrayal: the religious leaders plotting Jesus’ death and Judas agreeing to hand Jesus over for silver.
In the middle stands Mary—a powerful example of true discipleship.
From her, we learn that following Jesus demands three things:
1. Courage
Mary surely knew the controversy her actions would stir. In her culture, a woman approaching a group of men this way was scandalous. Yet her love for Jesus outweighed her fear.
Following Jesus still demands courage.
It takes courage to keep wrestling with doubt and uncertainty rather than giving up.
It takes courage to live like Jesus when modern Christianity sometimes looks nothing like Him.
It takes courage to speak against injustice, even when it costs us.
Where might Jesus be inviting you to step forward with courage today?
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2. Humility
Unlike the disciples arguing about who was greatest, Mary wasn’t fighting for a seat at the table. She simply wanted to honor Jesus.
Following Jesus demands humility.
In a culture that pushes us to seek attention and affirmation, Mary reminds us that the only gaze that truly matters is the gaze of Jesus—and His eyes are already lovingly fixed on us.
What might it look like for you to humble yourself under His loving gaze?
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3. Generosity
Mary’s perfume cost nearly a year’s wages. She didn’t hesitate to give it all.
Following Jesus demands generosity.
Not just with our money—but with our time, our attention, our talents, our love.
What might it look like for you to move toward greater generosity in this season of your life?
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The Invitation
Discipleship is a life of devotion.
But in the busyness of life, devotion can easily become just another extracurricular activity. Something we squeeze in if we find time.
Mary shows us a better way—a courageous, humble, generous way.
As we move toward Easter, let’s pause and ask:
Where might the Spirit be inviting me to deeper devotion?
Is it courage I need to step forward in?
Humility I need to embrace?
Generosity I need to practice?
Let’s listen together for the gentle whisper of the Spirit—and be ready to respond.
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A Prayer for Devotion
Before you head into the rest of your day, take a moment to slow down.
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath.
Let these words guide you into a prayerful posture:
Jesus, You are worthy of my whole heart.
Teach me to follow You with the courage of Mary,
the humility of Mary,
and the generosity of Mary.
Where fear holds me back, give me boldness.
Where pride clouds my vision, give me clarity.
Where scarcity keeps my fists closed, open my hands.
I want to love You freely, fully, and without fear.
Come and shape my heart today.
Amen.
As you sit quietly for a moment, listen for the Spirit’s gentle whisper.
So beautiful. I loved how the aroma filled the house. May we be the aroma of Christ as well (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).
Thank you for this reminder today. These qualities of courage... humility... generosity are beautiful ways to demonstrate and share the love of Christ. Your words are blessing and challenging me! Thank you!