You Don’t Know The Cost of The Oil - September 24, 2025

Scripture:

“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” - John‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Devotional:

When Mary poured out her expensive oil at the feet of Jesus, she was misunderstood. Some called it waste. Others couldn’t comprehend why she would give so much. But what they didn’t see was the cost behind the oil her gratitude, her brokenness, her surrender.

The same is true for us today. People may see your praise, your faith, your testimony, but they don’t know the nights of tears, the valleys of pain, the prayers whispered in desperation. They don’t know the weight of your “yes” to God or the battles you fought to stay faithful.

Your oil represents your story. It represents what you’ve endured and what you’ve overcome through God’s grace. And when you pour it out in worship, whether through prayer, service, or sacrifice, it fills the room with a fragrance that honors God.

The truth is, not everyone will understand your devotion. Some will question it, some will mock it, and some will even criticize it. But your worship is not for them, it’s for the One who carried you through. Jesus receives it, honors it, and remembers it.

And here’s the greater truth: when God pours His oil over His people, it is never without cost. The oil costs. It costs something to receive it, and it costs something to carry it. Just as olives must be crushed to release pure oil, so too must our flesh, pride, and will be surrendered before God. But once the oil flows, it empowers His people to do great things, even impossible things. With His oil, you will stand where others fall, overcome what others fear, and walk into the land of milk and honey. People will wonder how, they may question it, and some may even get upset but they don’t know the cost of the oil.

Reflection/Challenge:

Don’t hold back your oil because others don’t understand. Today, ask yourself: What costly oil has God entrusted me to pour out for His glory? Then, find one way to release it through prayer, worship, or service.

Prayer:
Father God, in the Name of Jesus,
Thank You for another day. Thank You for waking me up this morning, starting me on my way, clothing me in my right mind, and allowing me to see the dawn of a brand new day.

Lord, I ask You to forgive me for all my sins and shortcomings, and I receive Your forgiveness in my heart. Create in me, O Lord, a clean heart. Purify my thoughts, and cast down every vain imagination and every high thing that tries to exalt itself against the knowledge of You, O God.

Lord, thank You for every valley You brought me through and every tear You turned into testimony. Help me not to withhold my worship, even when others don’t understand. Let my life be a fragrance poured out at Your feet, costly but beautiful in Your eyes. Thank You for pouring out Your oil over my life, the oil that costs something but empowers me to do great and impossible things. I give You all the glory, because only You know the cost of my oil. In Jesus Name I Pray, Thank God, Amen.