Priority of Worship - February 12 Readings: Exodus 35-36, Matthew 26:1–29, Psalms 22:14–20, Proverbs 4:16–18

Links to Feb 12 Readings:  Exodus 35-36, Matthew 26:1–29, Psalms22:14–20, Proverbs 4:16–18

It was a moment that sounds strange to us. A woman brought a jar of expensive fragrant oil to Jesus (Matthew 26:6) and she poured it on his head. Poor people all around and this woman pours money all over Jesus' head. The disciples were outraged at the waste. Surely Jesus would rebuke this woman for her priorities. 

But they were surprised. They shouldn't have been - they should have been used to misunderstanding Jesus by this time. Jesus did not rebuke the woman, he honored her. It was not that Jesus was uncaring about the poor and needy. The Bible makes it clear that God cares about those who are oppressed, mistreated, disdained and deprived. His heart is moved by human suffering. We are called to be generous in helping those in need. Jesus made that clear. 

But there is a higher value that Jesus speaking to here. The most important thing in life is to worship God with a whole heart. There is no sacrifice too great, no cost too high, no service too hard when the glory of God is at stake. 

Yes, fellow-Christian, we ought to serve God in this world. We ought to work for him. We ought to serve others in his name. We ought to help the poor and lift up the fallen. All of that is incumbent on us. 

But there is nothing more important than worshiping God the Father and our Crucified and Risen Lord. "She has done a noble thing for me," Jesus said about her. 

So, work hard. Serve people in Jesus' name. But pour out your heart and soul to him as a sacrifice of love. There is nothing more noble than that.