May 31st, 2025
by Micah Guy
by Micah Guy
Have you ever noticed how certain smells can instantly transport you to a different time and place? The scent of freshly cut grass on a summer day, the aroma of bacon and coffee wafting through the house on a lazy weekend morning, or the unmistakable smell of a beach bonfire - these fragrances have the power to evoke vivid memories and emotions.
Just as these scents can permeate our senses and linger long after their source is gone, there's a spiritual "aroma" that should emanate from the lives of those who follow Jesus Christ. This essence is one of sacrificial generosity, a fragrance that should permeate every aspect of a believer's life.
The Alabaster Flask
In the Gospel of Mark, we find a powerful story that illustrates this concept. As Jesus and his disciples were dining in Bethany, an unexpected visitor arrived. A woman entered the house carrying an alabaster flask of an extremely expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she broke the flask and poured its contents over Jesus' head.
This act was shocking for several reasons. First, the perfume was incredibly valuable - worth about a year's wages. Second, the woman didn't just use a small amount; she broke the flask and poured out every drop. This was a one-time, all-or-nothing offering. The fragrance would have filled the entire house, and Jesus himself would have been drenched in the costly ointment.
Some of those present were indignant. They scolded the woman, arguing that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus defended her actions, saying, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me... She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial."
Jesus went on to say something remarkable: "And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." This woman's act of extravagant generosity would be remembered and retold alongside the story of the gospel itself.
This account challenges us to consider: What is our "alabaster flask"? What is the most precious thing we can offer to Jesus? Are we willing to break it open and pour it out completely for Him?
Just as these scents can permeate our senses and linger long after their source is gone, there's a spiritual "aroma" that should emanate from the lives of those who follow Jesus Christ. This essence is one of sacrificial generosity, a fragrance that should permeate every aspect of a believer's life.
The Alabaster Flask
In the Gospel of Mark, we find a powerful story that illustrates this concept. As Jesus and his disciples were dining in Bethany, an unexpected visitor arrived. A woman entered the house carrying an alabaster flask of an extremely expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she broke the flask and poured its contents over Jesus' head.
This act was shocking for several reasons. First, the perfume was incredibly valuable - worth about a year's wages. Second, the woman didn't just use a small amount; she broke the flask and poured out every drop. This was a one-time, all-or-nothing offering. The fragrance would have filled the entire house, and Jesus himself would have been drenched in the costly ointment.
Some of those present were indignant. They scolded the woman, arguing that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus defended her actions, saying, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me... She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial."
Jesus went on to say something remarkable: "And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." This woman's act of extravagant generosity would be remembered and retold alongside the story of the gospel itself.
This account challenges us to consider: What is our "alabaster flask"? What is the most precious thing we can offer to Jesus? Are we willing to break it open and pour it out completely for Him?
"What is the most precious thing we can offer to Jesus? Are we willing to break it open and pour it out completely for Him?"
The Aroma of Christ
The apostle Paul picks up on this imagery of fragrance in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, writing, "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life."
As followers of Christ, we are called to carry His scent wherever we go. Our lives should exude the fragrance of His love, grace, and sacrificial generosity. This aroma should be so distinct that people notice something different about us - even if they can't quite put their finger on what it is.
But what does it mean to live as the "aroma of Christ" in practical terms? Jesus himself gives us a clue in Matthew 25:31-40. He describes a scene where He separates people based on how they treated "the least of these." Those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited prisoners are commended. Jesus says, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Living as the aroma of Christ means seeking out those on the margins of society and showing them the love and generosity of Jesus. It means being willing to sacrifice our time, resources, and comfort for the sake of others. It might look like volunteering at a food bank, visiting lonely seniors, mentoring at-risk youth, or finding creative ways to bless and encourage those who are often overlooked.
As believers, we are called to make this kind of sacrificial generosity a lifestyle, not just an occasional act. It should permeate every aspect of our lives, just as the scent of that perfume would have clung to Jesus long after it was poured out.
The Ultimate Act of Sacrificial Generosity
However, we must remember that our ability to live this way doesn't come from our own strength or goodness. It flows from the ultimate act of sacrificial generosity - Christ's death on the cross. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:8-10, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him..."
When we truly grasp the enormity of what Christ has done for us, our own acts of generosity become a natural response. We give because we have received so much. We love because we have been loved beyond measure. We sacrifice because the greatest sacrifice of all was made for us.
As we go about our daily lives, let's challenge ourselves to be more intentional about spreading the aroma of Christ. Here's a practical step: This week, prayerfully seek out one person to whom you can show sacrificial generosity. It might be a financial gift, an act of service, or simply the gift of your time and attention. Whatever it is, let it be something that stretches you and points clearly to the love of Christ.
Remember, you may never know the full impact of your generosity. Like the woman with the alabaster flask, your act of love might have ripple effects far beyond what you can see or imagine. But you can be certain that it doesn't go unnoticed by the One who matters most.
The apostle Paul picks up on this imagery of fragrance in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, writing, "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life."
As followers of Christ, we are called to carry His scent wherever we go. Our lives should exude the fragrance of His love, grace, and sacrificial generosity. This aroma should be so distinct that people notice something different about us - even if they can't quite put their finger on what it is.
But what does it mean to live as the "aroma of Christ" in practical terms? Jesus himself gives us a clue in Matthew 25:31-40. He describes a scene where He separates people based on how they treated "the least of these." Those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited prisoners are commended. Jesus says, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Living as the aroma of Christ means seeking out those on the margins of society and showing them the love and generosity of Jesus. It means being willing to sacrifice our time, resources, and comfort for the sake of others. It might look like volunteering at a food bank, visiting lonely seniors, mentoring at-risk youth, or finding creative ways to bless and encourage those who are often overlooked.
As believers, we are called to make this kind of sacrificial generosity a lifestyle, not just an occasional act. It should permeate every aspect of our lives, just as the scent of that perfume would have clung to Jesus long after it was poured out.
The Ultimate Act of Sacrificial Generosity
However, we must remember that our ability to live this way doesn't come from our own strength or goodness. It flows from the ultimate act of sacrificial generosity - Christ's death on the cross. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:8-10, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him..."
When we truly grasp the enormity of what Christ has done for us, our own acts of generosity become a natural response. We give because we have received so much. We love because we have been loved beyond measure. We sacrifice because the greatest sacrifice of all was made for us.
As we go about our daily lives, let's challenge ourselves to be more intentional about spreading the aroma of Christ. Here's a practical step: This week, prayerfully seek out one person to whom you can show sacrificial generosity. It might be a financial gift, an act of service, or simply the gift of your time and attention. Whatever it is, let it be something that stretches you and points clearly to the love of Christ.
Remember, you may never know the full impact of your generosity. Like the woman with the alabaster flask, your act of love might have ripple effects far beyond what you can see or imagine. But you can be certain that it doesn't go unnoticed by the One who matters most.
"You may never know the full impact of your generosity...But you can be certain that it doesn't go unnoticed by the One who matters most."
May our lives be a constant outpouring of gratitude and love, a sweet-smelling offering to the God who gave everything for us. Let's break open our alabaster flasks and fill the world with the unforgettable fragrance of Christ's love.
This blog is based on a sermon by Pastor Micah Guy at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
This blog is based on a sermon by Pastor Micah Guy at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
About the Author
After earning a BA in Business Finance from Cal State Fullerton, Micah Guy spent several years working in the corporate world. However, he obtained an M.Div. from Talbot Theological Seminary in the shift to full-time ministry and has worked at South Shores Church since 2011. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kamden, and they have four children. Micah loves the challenge of athletics, although his little boy dreams of professional sports never materialized. He also holds to the belief real chocolate doesn't exist below 72%.
Posted in Pastor Micah Guy, Mark, Serving, Generosity, Christian living, gospel, gratitude, offering, sacrificial love, aroma of Christ
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