Why would a woman anoint Jesus for burial while he was still alive? And was it a wise use of a year's wages? In Mark 14:1–8, we encounter an unnamed woman who breaks an alabaster jar of extremely expensive perfume and pours it over Jesus. The disciples are outraged. They see waste. Jesus sees something beautiful. In this expository sermon, we explore why this woman understood something the religious leaders and even Jesus' disciples were missing: Jesus was going to the cross, and His death was worthy of extravagant worship. This passage introduces the passion narrative in Mark and brings us into what can be called the "holy of holies" of the Gospel—the unfolding story of Christ's death and the meaning of the cross. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson