Some Great Examples of Sacrifice

There are several stories in the Bible of people making sacrifices. Able offered as God instructed, Cain didn’t. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son. At the end of his life,
Samson sacrificed himself to God’s glory. Consider with me some examples of sacrifice in the New Testament.

Matthew 26:6-13 - A woman has “very precious ointment” and uses it to anoint Jesus’ head. It was worth “much.” Some said it was wasted. Jesus said, “...wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” She was willing to sacrifice.

Mark 12:41-44 - Jesus is watching the people put money into the treasury. The “poor widow” puts in “two mites.” Not much but Jesus sees, not the amount, but the sacrifice. “This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury.” Why? She gave “all she had.” Sacrifice!

John 12:1-8 - Jesus is in the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Mary brings in some expensive ointment (spikenard) and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. Judas says it was worth the same as a year’s wages. Many poor people could have been fed, he says. Judas was a thief. Mary gave a sacrifice.

Consider two other examples and their attitudes they showed about sacrifice. The ruler came to Jesus seeking the Way. Jesus showed him. He went away sorrowful because he was not willing to sacrifice. (Luke 18:22) Ananias and Sapphira made a profit on a real estate sale. They brought some to Peter for the Lord’s work. They lied. They died. They didn’t really want to sacrifice. (Acts 5:1-11)

The supreme example of sacrifice, of course, is Jesus, Himself. God was willing to give the best sacrifice available to redeem us from our sins. Where do you and I fit in when it comes to sacrificing for/to the Lord? Jesus says that until we have the attitude of being willing to sacrifice ALL, we are not able to be His disciples.

Think about it.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony