“She Has Done What She Could”
Seeking Jesus First - June 13, 2026
“She Has Done What She Could”
Please Read John 12:1–8 (NKJV)
Reflection
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. While they were eating together, Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard and anointed the feet of Jesus, then wiped His feet with her hair. The fragrance of the oil filled the entire house.
This was an extravagant act of worship. The perfume was worth approximately a year’s wages for a common laborer. Mary did not pour it sparingly — she poured it all out. She did not simply anoint His head, as was customary; she humbled herself and anointed His feet, using her own hair to wipe them. It was an act of deep love, humility, and devotion.
Judas immediately criticized her, saying the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus defended Mary with these powerful words:
“Let her alone; she has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.”
Jesus saw what others missed. Mary’s act was not wasteful — it was timely. She had discerned that Jesus was about to die, and she gave Him her very best while He was still with her. She did not wait until it was too late.
In the Kingdom life, true worship often costs us something. Mary did not give Jesus what was convenient or leftover — she gave Him her very best. Her worship was costly, humble, and timely. Jesus did not measure her gift by its monetary value, but by the love and sacrifice behind it. He simply said, “She has done what she could.”
Application
Today, ask yourself: “Am I giving Jesus my best, or am I giving Him what is convenient and leftover?” Renew your mind with this truth: She has done what she could. Consider what “costly worship” looks like in your life right now. It may be giving financially, serving sacrificially, forgiving someone who hurt you deeply, or surrendering a dream or relationship to the Lord. Whatever it is, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can offer Jesus your very best this week — not out of obligation, but out of love and devotion.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful example of Mary, who gave Jesus her very best in an act of humble and costly worship. Thank You that Jesus received her gift and defended her. Forgive us for the times we have given You leftovers instead of our best. Renew our minds today to understand that true worship often costs us something. Help us to do what we can for Jesus while we still have the opportunity. May our lives be marked by extravagant love and wholehearted devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.