Mark 14:3-9 // On the surface, this text seems like it is about a woman who gives a costly gift to Jesus to express her devotion to him. The woman's exemplary sacrifice is supposed to inspire us to give our everything to Jesus. If this is all we see in this story, we're missing the main point. This story is pointing us to the greater sacrifice—indeed, the greatest sacrifice—the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross; his life given for us; the enormous cost that he paid for our great debt. So, when anyone tries to deceive you to say that you're only worth a certain amount, I pray that the truth of the gospel will direct you to your true value proven by the great cost that Jesus paid to redeem you. If you fall into the trap of thinking that your salary is evidence of your worth, or the number of your IG followers, or the success of your children, or the legacy of a successful career, or number of people who show up to your parties, etc., if you think any of these are indicators of your value, you're wrong. The proof of your true value before God—the only value that matters at the end of the day—is that you are worth the very life of Jesus Christ the Son of God.