What Does Worship Cost?

Dr. Jim Bohrer

Matthew: Prophecy and Fulfillment • Sermon • Submitted 8 months ago • Presented 8 months ago

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MODERN ALABASTER JARS: Living Illustrations of Extravagant Worship

The spirit of the woman with the alabaster jar lives on today. These contemporary testimonies demonstrate how believers across the centuries continue to break their most precious possessions at the feet of Jesus, showing us what extravagant worship looks like in practice.

THE PIONEERS OF FAITH

George Müller: The Prayer Warrior's Empty Pockets

George Müller's life reads like a modern parable of divine provision. This 19th-century German-born philanthropist cared for over 10,000 orphans in Bristol, England, without ever asking anyone for money. Like the woman who poured out her costly perfume, Müller poured out his entire life in prayer and faith.sola+2youtube

One morning, 300 children sat down to breakfast with no food in the house. Müller simply prayed, thanking God for provision. Within minutes, a baker knocked at the door—he couldn't sleep and had baked three batches of bread. Next came a milkman whose cart had broken down, offering free milk that would otherwise spoil. This became the pattern of Müller's life: complete dependence on God, radical generosity, and miraculous provision.sola

Müller's philosophy was simple: he would never own anything of significant value, living as though every penny belonged to God. His alabaster jar was his very life, broken open in sacrificial service to orphaned children. Like the woman at Bethany, he understood that nothing held back from God is truly wasted.stewardship

Hudson Taylor: China's Adopted Son

Hudson Taylor's sacrifice makes corporate executives weep. This 19th-century missionary founded China Inland Mission and spent 54 years giving his life to the Chinese people. When other missionaries stayed safely in coastal compounds, Taylor moved inland, wore Chinese clothing, learned multiple dialects, and lived among the people he served.intouch+3

Taylor's ministry philosophy echoed the woman's act: "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies". He never asked supporters for money, instead trusting God completely for provision—much like George Müller's approach. When Taylor died, China had grown from virtually no Christians to over 100,000 believers, with the China Inland Mission having 825 missionaries in 300 stations.lightmagazine+1

Like the alabaster jar that had to be broken to release its fragrance, Taylor broke his comfortable English life to pour out his love for China. Today, largely due to seeds he planted, over 40 million Chinese follow Christ—some estimates suggest 125-150 million when accounting for underground churches.kingshillboston

Jim Elliot and the Five Martyrs

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose"—Jim Elliot's famous words became prophetic. On January 8, 1956, Jim and four other missionaries were speared to death by Auca Indians in Ecuador while attempting to share the Gospel.imallbooked+2

The five men—Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, and Peter Fleming—had made a pact: they would not kill any Huaorani to save themselves. When warriors emerged from the jungle, the missionaries chose death over violence, their watches stopping at 3:12 PM.traillifeusa

Their alabaster jars were literally their lives, poured out completely. But like the woman's perfume, their sacrifice created an eternal fragrance. Elisabeth Elliot and other missionary wives continued the work among the very people who killed their husbands. Hundreds of young people entered missionary service inspired by their example, and the Auca people eventually came to faith—including some of the men who had killed the missionaries.blogs.blueletterbible+1

CONTEMPORARY SACRIFICIAL GIVERS

Richard Stearns: From Jaguar to Uganda

Richard Stearns lived the American dream. As CEO of Lennox, he drove a corporate Jaguar, owned a beautiful home, and had achieved everything success promised. Then God called him to lead World Vision.npr+2

Like the rich young ruler, Stearns faced Jesus' challenge: "Sell everything you have and give it to the poor". Unlike the biblical figure, Stearns said yes. He quit his job, sold his house, turned in his Jaguar, took a 75% pay cut, and moved his family across the country to Seattle. Sixty days later, he was in Uganda at ground zero of the AIDS pandemic.get.tithe+2

"I didn't want to go see poor people. I don't want to go to refugee camps," Stearns honestly admits. But his obedience transformed not only his own life but enabled World Vision to serve millions of the world's poorest children. His alabaster jar was his comfortable lifestyle, willingly broken for Jesus' sake.buzzsprout

Rich Mullins: The Troubadour's Vow

Rich Mullins was one of Christian music's most successful artists, yet he lived like a modern-day St. Francis. Mullins took unofficial vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, limiting himself to the average American laborer's salary while giving the rest to charity.wikipedia+2

When profits from his albums and tours came in, Mullins never saw the money. His church elders distributed it, paying him only enough to live simply while giving the remainder to charity. Mullins supported Compassion International and lived in a trailer on a Navajo reservation, teaching music to Native American children.richmullinspirituality.blogspot+1

"Christianity is not about building an absolutely secure little niche in the world," Mullins said. "Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved, and Jesus loved the poor and the broken-hearted". His alabaster jar was his musical success and financial potential, gladly broken to identify with "the least of these."wikipedia

Aaron Moore: The Artist's Empty Apartment

Australian artist Aaron Moore made headlines in 2012 when he sold everything he owned and gave it all to the poor. Inspired by Jesus' command to the rich young ruler, Moore auctioned his motorbike, surfboards, clothes, grandfather's watch, coin collection, and even nights in his apartment.eternitynews+1

"We're going to the movies and drinking chai lattes while 1.4 billion people live in extreme poverty," Moore reflected. His "live art" experiment wasn't easy—he caught himself trying to hide possessions from the sale, making excuses to keep sentimental items.eternitynews

Moore's experience revealed how deeply our hearts are attached to material things. "The experience I've had to go through in letting things go is quite different and a lot harder than I thought it would be," he admitted. Yet like the woman with the alabaster jar, Moore discovered that breaking our attachment to possessions frees us to worship more fully.eternitynews

Craig Groeschel: Giving Away the Golden Goose

Pastor Craig Groeschel faced a moment that would define his ministry. In 2006, LifeChurch.tv had built a demand for their teaching materials and products. The potential revenue stream could have been enormous—both for the church and personally for Groeschel.youtube

Instead of following conventional wisdom and selling their resources, Groeschel and the church leadership made a radical decision: they would give everything away for free. Sermons, music, graphics, videos—all distributed without charge to churches worldwide.youtube

"If generosity was real to us," Groeschel explained, "what if instead of selling, we just gave it all away?" This decision cost millions in potential revenue but aligned with their conviction about Jesus' worth. Their alabaster jar was financial opportunity, broken open so others could freely access ministry resources.youtube

ORDINARY SAINTS WITH EXTRAORDINARY HEARTS

The Tithing Testimonies

Ralph and Terry Modica's journey illustrates how ordinary believers can live extraordinary generosity. Initially giving only a dollar per week despite serving in multiple church ministries, they felt convicted when someone said: "If you really want to know whom or what you love and serve, look at your checkbook".wordbytes

They discovered they served "strange gods" named Visa, MasterCard, and General Motors. Despite financial struggles, they began tithing 10% and experienced God's provision in unexpected ways. Their testimony inspired Nancy Viola, a single mother and college student, to step out in faith with sacrificial giving despite cash-flow problems.wordbytes+1

The Adoption Miracle

A Christ Fellowship couple felt called to adopt but lacked the $30,000 needed. Living on a tight budget while saving, they still felt led to pay for a stranger's $8 grocery bill. That night at church, someone they barely knew handed them a $10,000 check for their adoption.christfellowship

Within weeks, they received another $10,000 grant, then another $10,000 from an unexpected source. Their small act of obedience with $8 became the key that unlocked $30,000 in provision. Like the widow's mite that caught Jesus' attention, their sacrificial heart moved God's heart.christfellowship

The Milk and Honey Story

Tendai Chetse, an international student in the UK, found himself with only 7 pence in his bank account. During prayer, God gave him a vision of a NatWest name badge reading "Sarah" and said: "Your money is coming tomorrow. Take half and give the rest to Sarah".premierchristianity

Terrified but obedient, Tendai went to the bank the next day. A teller named Sarah processed an unexpected deposit to his account—money he knew nothing about. He kept half and gave the rest to Sarah, explaining God's instruction. This experience of radical trust and immediate obedience demonstrated that God honors those who break their alabaster jars of security and control.

The Muslim Convert's Ultimate Sacrifice

In East Africa, a Muslim man's conversion to Christianity cost him everything. His father-in-law forcibly removed his pregnant wife. His family locked him out of their home and took all possessions, leaving him with only the clothes on his back. His brothers threatened to stone him.thestonetable

Yet this new believer radiated joy: "They have taken everything from me. What else can they possibly do?" His alabaster jar was his entire earthly security and family relationships, broken completely for Jesus' sake. His public baptism in the Indian Ocean became a powerful testimony to the worth of Christ over all earthly treasures.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF BROKEN JARS

These stories demonstrate that when believers break their alabaster jars—whether possessions, security, comfort, or control—the fragrance spreads far beyond the initial act:

Müller's orphanages inspired countless others to trust God's provision

Taylor's sacrifice planted seeds that grew into millions of Chinese believers

The martyred missionaries motivated hundreds to enter missions

Stearns' career change enabled World Vision to serve millions more children

Groeschel's free resources equipped thousands of churches globally

Moore's artistic sacrifice challenged viewers to examine their own attachments

APPLICATION FOR TODAY'S BELIEVERS

These testimonies call us to examine our own alabaster jars:

What is your perfume? Your time? Talents? Treasures? Comfort zone? Career aspirations? Security blanket?

What would it look like to break it? Not in reckless foolishness, but in reckless love—love so extravagant that others call it wasteful, yet Jesus calls it beautiful.

How might the fragrance spread? When we pour out our most precious possessions at Jesus' feet, the aroma of our sacrifice encourages others, brings glory to God, and advances His kingdom in ways we may never fully know.

The woman at Bethany set the pattern. These modern believers followed her example. The question remains: Will you break your alabaster jar for Jesus? Will you join this cloud of witnesses who discovered that what seems like waste to the world becomes worship that echoes through eternity?

As these testimonies prove, no alabaster jar broken for Jesus ever goes unnoticed by heaven. Whether it costs eight dollars or eight million, whether it requires moving across town or across the world, extravagant worship always finds its reward in the One who gave everything for us.

"She has done a beautiful thing for me." May Jesus say the same of our broken jars and poured-out lives.

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The Anointing That Prepared Him

Bible Passage: Matthew 26:6-16

Summary: In this passage, we see the story of a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume at Simon's house, contrasted with the disciples' indignation over the perceived waste. This act foreshadows Jesus' impending death and highlights themes of love, sacrifice, and the value of worship.

Application: This sermon encourages believers to evaluate their own responses to Jesus’ sacrifice and love. It challenges individuals to consider what they are willing to give in their expressions of worship and how they perceive the actions of others toward Christ. It relates to the struggle of valuing spiritual devotion over material concerns.

Teaching: This sermon teaches the importance of recognizing the worth of Jesus and responding to Him with extravagant love. It highlights that true worship may often be misunderstood or criticized but is ultimately invaluable in the eyes of God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ is identified not only as the one deserving of such honor but also as the Messiah who must suffer and die. The anointing acts as a prophetic preparation for His burial, emphasizing His sacrifice for humanity.

Big Idea: True worship is an extravagant response to the grace and love of Jesus, acknowledging His worth above all earthly treasures.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural significance of anointing in Jewish customs and how it relates to Jesus' identity as the Messiah. You may want to dive into commentaries on Matthew 26 in your Logos library to examine historical context and interpretive challenges, particularly about the roles of the characters involved and the implications of their actions.

1. Sacrificial Anointing

Matthew 26:6-9

Maybe start by exploring how Jesus was anointed in Bethany—this lavish act of worship stands in stark contrast to the rational mindset of the disciples who saw the pouring of expensive perfume as a waste. You could highlight the sacrificial nature of the woman's actions and challenge the congregation to consider what extravagant love and worship look like in their lives. Consider how this act prepares Jesus for His impending sacrificial death, emphasizing the worship that precedes great acts of service.

2. Eternal Worth

Matthew 26:10-13

You could highlight Jesus’ defense of the woman's actions, affirming that her deed would be remembered throughout history. This can serve as a model for evaluating our priorities—do we prioritize earthly concerns or spiritual devotion? Perhaps delve into what it means to worship with a heart that recognizes Jesus' invaluable worth and the willingness to face criticism for one's faith. Explore Jesus’ appreciation for worship that is born from understanding His profound grace.

3. Betrayal Vs. Devotion

Matthew 26:14-16

You could contrast Judas' decision to betray Jesus with the woman's act of devotion. Judas' focus on earthly gains serves as a cautionary example of valuing material above the eternal. Examine the role of intention in worship—are our actions motivated by self-interest or genuine devotion? Maybe reflect on how every choice we make can prepare the way for receiving or rejecting Jesus' grace. Stress the importance of aligning our hearts with the sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ.

The Value of Unreserved Worship

Bible Passage: Matthew 26:6-16

Summary: In this passage, we witness a deeply personal act of worship where a woman extravagantly anoints Jesus with costly perfume, illustrating her love and reverence for Him. This event triggers criticism from the disciples, who fail to see the significance of her gesture. The contrast between the woman's actions and Judas's betrayal highlights differing views on the value of worship and the heart's true intent.

Application: This sermon challenges believers to assess their own worship experiences, asking whether they hold anything back from God. It calls the church to embrace unreserved expressions of love for Jesus, even if they clash with societal norms or lead to misunderstanding. It encourages Christians to reflect on what they consider valuable in their relationship with Christ and to shed hesitations in their expressions of faith.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes that the worth of our worship is found not in its perceived cost but in the heart's intent behind it. It suggests that unreserved worship honors Jesus in ways that can transcend ordinary expressions, calling congregants to give all of themselves in devotion to Christ without fear of judgment.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Jesus is seen as the one worthy of our utmost devotion and sacrifice. The woman's act foreshadows the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ own journey toward the cross, and it serves as a reminder that ultimate honor is reserved for Him, who offers eternal life through His death and resurrection.

Big Idea: Genuine worship involves giving Jesus our all, reflecting a heart fully surrendered, and recognizing that our true worth is found in Him rather than in societal acceptance or material value.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, I recommend examining commentaries on the significance of anointing in Scripture and how it pertains to worship in both the Old and New Testaments. Using your Logos library, look for insights on the cultural practices of Jesus' time regarding costly gifts and how these actions of devotion can enhance understanding of modern worship expressions. Additionally, explore the theological implications of worship and sacrificial giving to enrich your sermon preparation.

1. Lavish Love Displayed

Matthew 26:6-9

Perhaps you could explore how the woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume reflects an extravagant love for Christ, challenging the congregation to consider what costly offerings they can bring in their worship. This part sets the stage to understand the true depth of worship, focused on honoring Jesus without holding back, even if others don't understand our actions.

2. Jesus' Affirmation of Worship

Matthew 26:10-13

You could discuss how Jesus' response to the disciples highlights the value He places on sincere, wholehearted worship. This section suggests that Jesus sees beyond material value to the intent of the heart. Encouraging the church to worship with authenticity, this point underscores that Jesus acknowledges and honors acts of devotion, setting an eternal significance to our worship.

3. Judas and Misplaced Values

Matthew 26:14-16

Maybe examine Judas’s contrasting actions of betrayal, which show a heart not surrendered to Jesus. This contrast with the woman's worship could lead to discussions on the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over reverence for Christ. This point serves as a caution against allowing worldly desires to overshadow our devotion to Jesus, reminding believers of where true worth is found.

To whom much is forgiven comes much love.

You can give without loving, you can’t love without giving.

Matthew 26:6–13 “6 While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman approached him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She poured it on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor.” 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a noble thing for me. 11 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. 12 By pouring this perfume on my body, she has prepared me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.””

The Value of Unreserved Worship

Bible Passage: Matthew 26:6-16

1. Lavish Love Displayed

Matthew 26:6-9

2. Jesus' Affirmation of Worship

Matthew 26:10-13

3. Judas and Misplaced Values

Matthew 26:14-16

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