An Acts4Transformation (A4T) Challenge Inspired by John 12
Easter Monday Reflection
During Holy Week, I found myself reflecting on the account in John 12:1–8, where Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume.
We are told that the perfume was worth a year’s wages.
As the fragrance filled the room, Judas Iscariot objected:
“Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?”
At first glance, it sounds like a reasonable question. Even compassionate. Practical. Responsible.
But Scripture reveals that Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor.
And yet… the question lingers.
A Question Worth Revisiting
What if we asked that same question—but from a sincere heart?
What if, instead of criticizing Mary’s devotion, we allowed this moment to challenge our own lives?
During this Holy Week, something unexpected happened.
I received a very expensive perfume gift. The timing struck me deeply. Maundy Thursday.
As I held that gift, I felt a clear impression:
“Match it.”
Not out of guilt.
Not out of obligation.
But as an act of love.
The A4T Perfume Challenge
I want to invite you into a simple but powerful challenge:
Take the value of the last perfume (or luxury item) you purchased or received and match that value with a gift to someone in need.
Not somewhere far away.
Right in your immediate vicinity.
• A struggling family
• An unemployed neighbour
• A student in need
• A single parent trying to cope
Why This Matters
This is not about legalism.
And it is not about diminishing Mary’s beautiful act of worship.
Mary gave extravagantly to Jesus.
And Jesus honoured her.
But the question we must ask is:
How do we live out our devotion today?
Bridging Worship & Justice
It is possible to:
• Love worship
• Honour Jesus
• Celebrate His sacrifice
…yet remain disconnected from the needs around us.
The A4T vision has always been this:
Transformation happens when belief becomes action.
If each of us simply matched:
• our comfort
• our lifestyle choices
• our moments of indulgence
…with intentional generosity,
we could begin to address:
• poverty
• unemployment
• inequality
right where we are.
A Personal Commitment
I will be taking the value of the gift I received and matching it with a contribution to someone in need within my community.
Not as a statement.
But as obedience.
An Invitation
I invite you to join me.
No pressure.
No publicity required.
No comparison.
Just a quiet decision before God.
A Simple Prayer
“Lord,
You have given so much to me.
Open my eyes to those around me in need.
Teach me to give—not out of excess alone,
but out of love.
Let my worship extend beyond words…
into action.
Amen.”
Final Thought
“Lord,
You have given so much to me.
Open my eyes to those around me in need.
Teach me to give—not out of excess alone,
but out of love.
Let my worship extend beyond words…
into action.
Amen.”