When Jesus was in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came and did something that shocked and angered many who were present. As the Scriptures tell us, she brought an alabaster jar filled with very costly perfume—pure nard—worth about a full year’s wages (Mark 14:3).
But notice what she did: she didn’t merely open the jar and pour out a little perfume—she broke it completely. By breaking it, she made it clear that this perfume would never be used for anything or anyone else. It was a total act of surrender and devotion.
The fragrance filled the entire house, and those who witnessed it began to complain, saying, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor!” (Mark 14:4–5).
But Jesus defended her, saying:
“Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them anytime you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could; she poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” — Mark 14:6–8
And then Jesus gave this profound promise:
“Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” — Mark 14:9
The Spiritual Lesson This story is not only about that one woman. Everyone has their own “alabaster jar.” It represents something precious—your time, your money, your gifts, your heart—that you hold dear. The question is: what or whom are you pouring it out for?
Some people “break their jars” for worldly pleasures—lavish lifestyles, entertainment, fame, or relationships that do not honor God. Just as others criticized the woman, today people may criticize someone who gives generously to God’s work or serves wholeheartedly in ministry. But Jesus sees the heart and calls such devotion beautiful.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
Breaking Your Jar for Jesus Giving to God is not a loss—it is an act of worship. When the woman broke her jar, she gave her best to Jesus. Likewise, we are called to give Him our best: our lives, our energy, our time, and our possessions.
It may seem costly. You may even be misunderstood or mocked. But what you pour out for Christ will never be wasted.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” — Romans 12:1
Some people can sacrifice everything for their children’s education, medical treatment, or personal ambitions—but hesitate to give to God’s Kingdom. That shows where their “jar” is broken. We all give our best to what we love most.
A Call to Reflection Can you, like this woman, break your alabaster jar for Jesus? Can you give Him your best—your heart, your worship, your devotion, your sacrifice?
She had no idea that her act of love would echo through generations, but Jesus made sure her story would live forever. Likewise, your sincere devotion to Him will never be forgotten before God.
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” — Hebrews 6:10
When you give yourself fully to Jesus, your life becomes a sweet fragrance before the Lord (2 Corinthians 2:15).
So—break your jar. Pour it all out for Him. You will never regret it.
Shalom.
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