This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 1st February 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here. For the worship, please click here. Don't Miss the Moment - Part 1
The Power of Timely Giving
Money is one of those topics many of us feel awkward talking
about. We’ll happily ask someone where they’re from, but asking about their
income? That feels intrusive. Even in churches, conversations around money and
giving can feel uncomfortable or overly private.
Yet when we look at Scripture, we discover something
surprising: Jesus spoke openly, intentionally, and frequently about money.
In fact, nearly 15% of Jesus’ recorded words deal
with wealth, possessions, giving, and greed. Out of His 38 parables, 16
directly address money and stewardship. The Bible actually speaks more
about possessions than it does about prayer, heaven, or discipleship. That
alone tells us how significant this subject is to God.
Jesus made it clear: “Where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also.” Our giving reveals the true temperature of our hearts.
A Moment That Mattered
One of the most powerful stories Jesus used to teach about
giving is found in Mark 14 and John 12—the story of the woman
with the alabaster jar.
The setting is Bethany, a small village just a few kilometres
from Jerusalem, during the Passover week. The city and surrounding villages
were overflowing with people who had travelled to celebrate one of the most
important Jewish festivals. Jesus was dining in the home of Simon the
leper—likely a man who had been healed by Jesus—and, according to John’s
account, Lazarus was also present, the man Jesus had raised from the dead.
Imagine the atmosphere: testimonies of healing, restoration,
and resurrection filling the room.
Then, in the middle of this meal, a woman enters with an
alabaster jar of pure nard—an extremely expensive perfume. Without
hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours it all over Jesus.
This perfume was worth 300 denarii, roughly a
year’s wages. By today’s standards, this was not a small or casual gift. It
was extravagant. Lavish. Costly.
“Why This Waste?”
Not everyone was impressed.
Some of those present—led by Judas—reacted with indignation.
“Why was this perfume wasted?” they asked. “It could have been sold
and given to the poor.”
But Scripture tells us Judas wasn’t motivated by
compassion—he was motivated by greed.
Jesus, however, immediately defended the woman.
“Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done
a beautiful thing for me.”
What others called waste, Jesus called beautiful.
He went on to say something extraordinary: “Wherever the
gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told,
in memory of her.”
Two thousand years later, across cultures and continents, we
are still talking about her act of worship—just as Jesus said we would.
More Than Giving—True Worship
This woman didn’t give out of obligation. She didn’t measure
out a few drops. She broke the jar.
Her giving was worship—extravagant, sacrificial, and deeply
personal.
She also did something prophetic. While the disciples
struggled to understand Jesus’ coming death, she seemed to grasp that His time
was short. Jesus said she had anointed Him in advance for His burial.
She recognized the moment—and she didn’t miss it.
Later, other women would come to Jesus’ tomb with spices to
anoint His body, but they arrived too late. The opportunity had passed. Jesus
had risen.
Moments matter. Opportunities to give don’t always come
again.
Our Alabaster Jar
Each of us has an alabaster jar. God has entrusted us with
resources, time, and opportunities. The question is not whether we will
give—but how.
Will we offer a token gesture?
Or will we respond with wholehearted worship?
Giving is not about impressing people. It’s about seeking the
commendation of Jesus—the One who sees the heart behind the gift.
As a church, we are invited to reflect, pray, and ask:
“Lord, what would You have me give?”
This isn’t about pressure or comparison. It’s about
obedience, faith, and worship. When we give generously, we participate in what
God is doing—supporting His work, standing with those in need, and advancing
His kingdom.
Don’t Miss the Moment
Life is uncertain. Opportunities are fleeting. But moments
of worship—when seized in faith—echo into eternity.
May we be people who recognize the moment.
May we be people who break the jar.
And may Jesus look at our giving and say, “That is a beautiful thing.”
