Let’s take a minute and look at Matthew 26:8:

“And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste?’”

(Matthew 26:8)

This moment happened in Bethany—literally known as the “house of misery.” It was a poor city, and when Mary poured her very expensive perfume on Jesus, people didn’t get it. To them, it felt like a complete waste.

But this moment shows us two kinds of people: Judas, who fully represented the world, and the disciples, who were still learning what real devotion looked like.

Now, Judas never truly loved Jesus. He never even called Him “Lord.” To Judas, giving anything to Jesus—whether it was money, time, or even a simple cup of water—seemed like a waste. And that’s exactly how the world thinks today. Time spent in church, giving to God, serving others—it all seems like a waste to those who don’t know Jesus.

But here’s the thing: what the world sees as waste, Jesus sees as love.

Jesus didn’t come to be loved by the world. He came to love the world. So when people look at your decision to serve the Lord—whether that’s leading a group, teaching children, or simply showing up at church—and they think you’re “wasting” your life, just remember: you’re starting to look more like Jesus.

He gave everything for us. He poured out His life, and to the world, it seemed foolish. But to Jesus, it was absolutely worth it. He gave Himself without reservation.

And that’s what the Gospel leads us into—a vision where Jesus is worth it all. Every sacrifice. Every late night. Every moment we give to Him. Because once we really see His value, there’s no such thing as giving too much.

Now back to Mary. When she broke that alabaster jar and poured out the perfume, Jesus didn’t call it a waste. He called it a good work.

The disciples didn’t get it at first either. Even they were indignant! They said, “That could’ve been sold and the money given to the poor!” But Jesus was clear: what she did was beautiful. He honored it.

This is where things hit close to home—especially for anyone serving in areas like the children’s ministry. How many times have people said, “Wow, you’re so talented, and you’re just… working with kids?” They mean well, but they miss the point. In God’s eyes, there’s nothing “just” about serving His little ones.

Look at what Jesus said in Mark 10:13–14:

“And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’”

(Mark 10:13–14)

Jesus was indignant—because His disciples were stopping the kids. These were the future leaders of the church, and Jesus had to correct their mindset right there. Why? Because the way we treat children reveals how well we’ve understood God’s heart.

To God, kids aren’t an afterthought. They’re part of the family, part of the Church, and they deserve to be discipled just like adults. It’s why we can’t treat children’s ministry like babysitting. It’s evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual warfare all rolled into one. And it’s so valuable.

If you’re someone who’s been pouring your heart into serving children—or in any quiet, behind-the-scenes role—hear this: it is not a waste.

In fact, it’s the kind of “waste” Jesus receives as worship.

When Mary broke her jar, it wasn’t just perfume—it was a prophetic act. She was pouring out her best, and Jesus received it with joy. And it filled the whole house with fragrance. That’s what true surrender does.

“The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

(John 12:3)

Now here’s the beautiful part: that perfume represents the anointing of God. And just like Mary, we carry that fragrance when we’re willing to be “broken”—when we give up our comfort, our recognition, our need to be seen. The broken vessel is the one God uses most powerfully.

That’s the pattern of the Gospel.

Jesus didn’t come as a king with crowns and palaces. He came as a servant. He didn’t live like royalty. He served the poor, washed feet, and healed the sick. He didn’t die like a king either. He died like a lamb—silent and sacrificial. But one day, He will return as King of kings.

Right now? We’re here to follow His example. We serve, we give, we love. And it may feel like we’re being “wasted,” but that’s how the anointing is released. That’s how eternity is impacted.

Don’t ever believe that preaching the Gospel to a child, leading a small group, or investing in someone’s life is a waste. That’s the kind of thing God counts—and remembers.

Jesus said:

“Whoever loses their life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it.”

(Mark 8:35)

Giving up our lives—our comfort, our time, our desire to be noticed—that’s what real discipleship looks like. And it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being available. God’s power flows through those who say, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.”

So, are you willing?

Are you ready to waste your life for the sake of the Gospel, like Mary did?

Because what looked like a waste to the world is still being talked about over 2,000 years later. That act of worship didn’t fade. It made history in the Kingdom of God.

Let that be you.

Serve the Lord with joy, knowing He sees it all. Every child you speak to. Every late-night lesson you plan. Every prayer you whisper when no one’s watching. It all matters.

Let’s be the ones who give our very best—our most valuable perfume—to the One who gave everything for us.

And let the fragrance of that sacrifice fill the house.

Amen.