Breaking the Jar: Unleashing Love for Christ

Reading of the Word

John 12:1–8 NASB 2020

Therefore, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they made Him a dinner there, and Martha was serving; and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Mary then took a pound of very expensive perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, the one who intended to betray Him, said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the proceeds given to poor people?” Now he said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he kept the money box, he used to steal from what was put into it. Therefore Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

Prayer of Illumination

Gracious God, Open our hearts and minds by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and Your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what You have to say to us today. Let Your truth take root in us, and may it shape our thoughts, guide our steps, and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

Have you ever seen a little kid try to open a tight jar? It’s a comical struggle! But when they finally succeed, the joy on their face is priceless—similar to Mary breaking her jar of perfume. It took courage and determination, but the result was beautiful. Sometimes, we need that same determination in our faith to break jars, releasing the sweet aroma of worship. Let’s not be afraid to open up to God! Let’s not be afraid to show our love for God to this world! I pray that this message will challenge us to break some jars so that we can pour of ourselves in love and service to God and for others.

1. Pour Out Your Love

John 12:1-3

A demonstration of radical love.

She breaks open the alabaster jar and pours out costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet.

This oil was extremely valuable—used sparingly and reserved for only the most special occasions.

Mary’s decision to break it open and pour it all out on Jesus’ feet was a powerful act of sacrifice and deep humility.

In love and devotion, she anoints His feet and wipes them with her hair—preparing Him to reveal His radical love for us through His suffering and death on the cross.

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and let go of what’s most valuable to you in order to truly honor Christ?

There are many ways we can pour out our lives—and it’s not just about money.

Being fully present with others in their pain, their joy, or just the ordinary moments of life.

Praying faithfully for others, lifting their names before God even when they never know it.

Walking with people through the valleys—not trying to fix everything, but simply refusing to let them walk alone.

Offering encouragement—speaking life and truth into someone who may feel like giving up.

Listening with compassion—not just hearing, but truly seeing and valuing someone’s heart.

Choosing forgiveness, even when it costs us something.

Making space in our homes, hearts, and routines for others to belong.

Obeying God’s quiet nudges, especially when no one else notices.

This is what it means to live like Jesus—who poured Himself out completely for us.

What jars need to be broken in our lives to show true love for Jesus?

Pride – so humility can pour out.

Control – so trust can rise.

Unforgiveness – so grace can flow.

Fear – so bold love can break through.

Self-reliance – so we lean fully on Him.

Woundedness – so healing and testimony emerge.

True love for Jesus is costly—and beautiful.

2. Confront Criticism Courageously

John 12:4-6

The reaction of Judas

He reveals his selfishness and greed by criticizing her for this act of devotion.

This oil was worth 300 denarii—about a year's wages, roughly $10,000. Just a few days later, Judas would betray Jesus for only 30 pieces of silver, around 120 denarii.

Judas wasn’t concerned about the poor; he used them as an excuse to criticize her for honoring Jesus with this act.

Mary’s only concern was preparing Jesus for His burial. God’s plan for the sacrifice of His Son to save the world was already unfolding—and in less than a week, Jesus would be gone. She was anointing His body for burial.

Word Pictures in the New Testament John 12:4

“Mary in her devotion unconsciously provides for the honour of the dead. Judas in his selfishness unconsciously brings about the death itself” (Westcott).

We must heed this as a warning against letting criticism or societal expectations hinder our expressions of love for Christ.

We must be willing to stand up for Jesus, even when it's unpopular or invites criticism.

Following Jesus often means going against the flow of society to boldly declare Christ and Him crucified.

Today, I ask us to take this as an invitation to examine our own hearts so that we may address any hindrances that prevent us from fully expressing devotion to Jesus.

3. Sacrifice That Satisfies

John 12:7-8

The Response of Jesus

He defends her actions, affirming that genuine acts of love and devotion are always valued in His eyes, even if misunderstood by others.

Despite the criticism, Mary remains focused and faithfully anoints Jesus for His burial.

We don’t hear from Judas again in this conversation, but it's clear that his anger to the response of Jesus only fueled his resolve to betray Jesus. If he couldn’t steal money, he’d seize it by sacrificing the very One who opposed his greed.

God required a sacrifice that would fully satisfy. The only sacrifice that could meet this demand was Jesus, shedding His blood for us.

What does Jesus desire us to sacrifice above all? He wants our hearts and lives surrendered to Him. This sacrifice brings Him more pleasure than the fragrance of the costly oil poured on His feet.

Christ recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices we make out of love for Him.

We pour out of ourselves, not of duty but as an act of worship of our devotion to Jesus.

We pour ourselves out through genuine care and concern for others.

We pour ourselves out so that Christ can be poured into others.

May this challenge us to pursue bold, sacrificial acts that honor Christ above all else.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB 2020

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.

To Sum It Up: Radical love for Christ compels us to break societal norms and limitations, leading us to demonstrate our faith through bold, sacrificial actions that honor Him above all else.

Conclusion

Our love for Jesus will sometimes lead us to do things that seem unexpected—even radical—because true love doesn’t stay inside safe boundaries. It breaks through fear, pride, and limitation to fully honor the One who gave everything for us.

This Scripture is a powerful example of what it means to pour ourselves out for Him. But ultimately, it points us to Jesus—who poured out all He had so that we might live in right relationship with the Father. His love wasn't half-measured or calculated. It was total, sacrificial, and freely given.

And here's the heart of it: Why has God given to you so freely? So that you, in turn, can give freely.

This is how the flame of faith is passed from one generation to the next—not just by words, but by lives poured out. We must be willing to invest in others, to pour ourselves into the lives around us, so that the Gospel doesn't stop with us—but continues to flow, full and free, into the hearts of those yet to come.

Let us be the generation that doesn't hold back. Let us pour as an offering of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness to the One who gave everything for us.

Prayer Following Message

Lord Jesus, Thank You for pouring Yourself out so completely for us. Teach us to love like You—with boldness, with sacrifice, and without holding back. Break anything in us that keeps us from fully honoring You. May our lives be a continual offering, so that others may see You and be filled with Your Spirit. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.