March 17-21

How Much Is Jesus Worth to You?

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him. – Mark 14:1(ESV)

In 1914, Ernest Shackleton advertised for men to join his Antarctic expedition: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” Amazingly, thousands applied. Shackleton’s call echoes Jesus’—following Him costs everything, but the reward is eternal (Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage).

Following Jesus isn’t a casual commitment. It cost Mary her expensive perfume. It cost the disciples their livelihoods. It cost Jesus His life. We often want faith without sacrifice, but true devotion requires surrender. If Jesus is worth everything to us, then nothing we give is too much. What is Jesus calling you to surrender today? Maybe it’s time, comfort, or security. Whatever it is, trust that He is worth it.

Reflection Questions
1. What has following Jesus cost you?
2. Is there anything you hesitate to surrender to Him?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, You are worth everything. Help me to follow You without hesitation, no matter the cost. Teach me to surrender fully, knowing the eternal reward far outweighs temporary loss. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It Will Cost You Financially

And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. – Mark 14:3 (ESV)

In 2019, a woman accidentally donated her husband’s rare baseball card collection to Goodwill. When she realized the mistake, it was too late—the cards had already been sold for thousands of dollars. “That was an expensive lesson,” she sighed (USA Today). Unlike this accidental sacrifice, Mary’s costly gift to Jesus was intentional—because He was worth more than any earthly possession.

Mary’s alabaster jar of perfume was worth a year’s wages, yet she willingly poured it out for Jesus. True devotion is costly. Whether through tithing, generosity, or using our resources for God’s kingdom, financial sacrifice is part of worship. If Jesus has given us everything, shouldn’t we hold our possessions loosely? Look at your budget—does it reflect your love for Christ? Consider how you can be more generous with what God has entrusted to you.

Reflection Questions
1. Have you ever hesitated to give because of the cost?
2. How does your spending reflect what Jesus is worth to you?

Suggested Prayer
Father, help me trust You with my finances. Teach me to be generous, knowing that anything I give to You is never wasted. You are worth more than any earthly possession. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It Will Cost You Socially

There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. – Mark 14:4–5 (ESV)

Winston Churchill exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering. "That's Winston Churchill." "They say he is getting senile." "They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men." When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned to the men and said, "Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!" (Barbara Hatcher, Vital Speeches)

Mary faced harsh criticism for her act of devotion. People will always have opinions about our faith. Following Jesus may mean losing approval, friendships, or even status. But when we choose Christ over public opinion, we find something greater—His approval. Have you ever held back from sharing your faith because of what others might think? Remember, what pleases God is far more important than what pleases people.

Reflection Questions
1. Have you ever been criticized for your faith?
2. How do you respond when others question your devotion to Jesus?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to follow You, even when it costs me socially. Help me to value Your approval over the opinions of others. Strengthen my faith to stand firm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It Will Reward You Continually

And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her. – Mark 14:9 (ESV)

When the Wright brothers flew the first airplane in 1903, they sent a telegram to their sister: “First flight successful. Home for Christmas.” Their sister excitedly took the message to a newspaper editor, who glanced at it and said, “Oh, how nice. Your brothers will be home for Christmas.” He missed the historic significance! (The Wright Brothers, David McCullough).

Jesus promised that Mary’s sacrifice would be remembered forever. While the world celebrates wealth and fame, heaven honors faithfulness. What we do for Jesus is never forgotten. Our acts of obedience may seem small, but they have eternal impact. What kind of legacy are you leaving? Even small acts of faithfulness—encouraging a friend, praying for someone, serving at church—make a difference for eternity.

Reflection Questions
1. What is one act of faithfulness you want to be remembered for?
2. How can you invest in things that have eternal significance?

Suggested Prayer
Father, help me to invest my life in what truly matters. Let my faithfulness bring You glory, and may my love for You be a lasting testimony. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Cost of Being a Sellout

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. – Mark 14:10 (ESV)

In 2013, a man sold his rare Star Wars action figure collection for $10,000. Years later, he discovered its value had skyrocketed to over $200,000. “Worst decision of my life,” he admitted (New York Times). Like Judas, he traded something priceless for temporary gain—and regretted it.

Judas traded Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It seemed like a good deal—until he realized what he had lost. Selling out for temporary gain will always lead to regret. Choosing comfort over Christ, wealth over worship, or approval over obedience may seem rewarding in the moment, but the cost is eternal. What in your life tempts you to compromise your faith? Don’t trade the eternal for the temporary.

Reflection Questions
1. Have you ever compromised your faith for temporary gain?
2. What steps can you take to ensure Jesus is your highest priority?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, protect my heart from chasing temporary rewards at the cost of my relationship with You. Keep me faithful and focused on what truly matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.