November 27, 2015:  SOAP #2185:

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 26:7 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.  8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.  9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Observation:    These two chapters in Matthew have a lot to say about value.  In pouring out the very expensive perfume, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, expressed the great value Jesus had in her heart.   Later in the same chapter (verse 15) Jesus was valued at 30 silver coins by both Judas and the chief priests.  In the next chapter (27:3), Judas realized that Jesus was worth much more than the 30 silver coins he had received.  He tried to renegotiate, to return the coins, but it was too late.
But the greatest value expressed in these two chapters is not the value of the alabaster box, nor the value of the betrayal, but the value Jesus put on sinners.  He valued them enough to give His life. (27:50)   Mary was willing to give her expensive perfume, Judas was willing to give back the 30 silver coins, but Jesus was willing to give His life!!!

Application:   That is how much Jesus values me!!!  I am ashamed to think of the times when I have valued Him so little in comparison.   Like Judas, I need to learn that Jesus can be sold for 30 silver coins, but He cannot be bought for the same price.  If I want Jesus in my heart, it costs me all I have—He becomes my Lord!  But He is worth it all!

Prayer:   Lord, forgive me for not appreciating Your true value!  May it be obvious to those around me that nothing in my life is more valuable than You!  I want my words and actions to express Your great value.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!