Before

Before the crowds gathered Palm Branches to lay at His feet.
Before the crowds recognized His majesty.
Before everyone yelled, “Hosanna, Glory to God in the Highest.”
Before His triumphant entrance.
Before…

There was a private party, away from the crowds, where the Guest of Honor was Jesus and a young woman worshipped.

Mary loved Jesus. She loved Him before He raised her brother from the dead. But now her love and gratitude was so overwhelming, there was only one way to express such love, such thankfulness- Extravagant Worship.

Her family had invited their friend once again, to honor and thank Him. Jesus had raised their brother from the dead and restored their family. In His honor, Martha served, Lazarus fellowshipped, but Mary worshipped.

Mary worshipped as if it were just she and Jesus in the room. Her worship undoubtedly made some uncomfortable. But she was unconcerned. She tuned out the distractions of the world. She didn’t care what it looked like. She humbled herself. A woman’s hair was considered her glory, yet she humbly washed His feet with her hair. She freely gave her most valuable possession, a jar of perfume, and prophetically anointed Her friend. Her home was filled with the sweet fragrance of worship.

Mary was focused solely on Jesus. He was the object of her affection. Her worship was not a performance. She did not know the significance of her actions. She had no idea that this private, intimate scene would inspire generations to worship extravagantly.

Mary simply expressed her love for Jesus by worshipping – Intimately. Privately. Prophetically. Extravagantly. Passionately. Absent the crowds. Mary Worshipped. And Jesus was exalted.

This year as Easter season begins, many of us are grieving. Grieving the ability to gather with family and church family to celebrate His resurrection. Grieving Easter egg hunts, unnecessary chocolate, and family dinners. We are longing for the corporate worship of our Lord and Savior. This year our Easter Celebration will not look like it has in the past.

But take heart, my friends. Because this year, we have the opportunity to let our celebration look more like that day before Palm Sunday. Stripped of sunrise services, fancy Easter clothing, and the busyness of Easter dinner, we are free to celebrate Easter like Mary – With a private party, away from the crowds, where the Guest of Honor is Jesus and we freely and extravagantly worship our Risen Savior. In private. Humbly. Prophetically. Intimately. Giving our all. Focusing only on Him. For an audience of One. And as we celebrate our homes will be filled with the sweet fragrance of Him.

Loved ones know, despite what is happening around us, He is still Risen. Death and the grave are still defeated. Resurrection power still reside within us. And He still is worthy of our worship. Let’s Celebrate Easter.

“Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬