#Worship #LivingSacrifice #CalvaryChapel
Worship or Waste? In this powerful story from Mark's Gospel we see one woman's extravagant act of devotion was met with harsh criticism-yet Jesus saw it differently. Learn why your best is never wasted on Jesus and how your worship can have a lasting impact beyond what you imagine.
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This sermon explores the story of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, found in Mark 14:1-11. It highlights the themes of sacrificial worship, the value we place on Jesus, and how our devotion to Him can impact others.
Setting the Scene: The account begins just before Passover, with religious leaders plotting to kill Jesus and Judas seeking to betray Him. Amidst this tension, we find a beautiful story of devotion.
Jesus is at a dinner party in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper. This setting itself teaches us about Jesus' character - He associates with those society often shuns. Simon, though likely cured, still carries the label of his past condition. The sermon emphasizes that we shouldn't let our past define us, as in Christ we are new creations.
Mary's Act of Worship: During the dinner, Mary (identified by John's gospel as Mary of Bethany) brings an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. This perfume, likely pure nard imported from India, was worth about a year's wages - equivalent to around $50,000 today. It may have been Mary's dowry or a family heirloom, making it not just monetarily valuable but sentimentally priceless.
In an act of extravagant worship, Mary breaks open the jar and pours the entire contents over Jesus. This gesture symbolizes her pouring out her future, giving up everything for Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that our best is never wasted on Jesus.
Criticism and Jesus' Response: Mary's act is met with criticism. Some present, particularly Judas (as John's gospel reveals), complain about the "waste," suggesting the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. The sermon notes how quickly negativity can spread, as others join in the criticism.
Jesus, however, defends Mary. He says, "Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me." He recognizes the spiritual significance of her sacrifice, even connecting it to His upcoming death and burial.
Key Lessons:
Sacrifice Doesn't Always Make Sense to Others: Following Jesus wholeheartedly may often be misunderstood by those around us.
Our Sacrifice is Spiritually Significant: Just as the fragrance of Mary's offering filled the room, our worship and sacrifice have a spiritual impact beyond what we can see.
Worship is a Response to God's Mercy: Mary's extravagant act likely came from a place of gratitude, possibly connected to Jesus raising her brother Lazarus from the dead.
Do What You Can: Jesus commended Mary, saying, "She did what she could." We're called to offer our best to God, whatever that may be.
Our Worship Can Have Lasting Impact: Jesus said this story would be told wherever the gospel is preached, showing how our acts of devotion can have far-reaching effects.
Contrasting Responses: The sermon contrasts Mary's response to Jesus with that of Judas. While Mary gives her most precious possession to honor Jesus, Judas leaves to betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. This stark difference highlights the question: What is Jesus worth to us?
Application: The sermon challenges listeners to consider their own response to Jesus' love and mercy. It encourages offering our lives as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), not out of duty but as a delightful response to God's goodness.
It addresses potential excuses we might make for not serving or giving our best, reminding us that God can use whatever we offer, no matter how small or ordinary it may seem. The key is to do what we can with what we have.
Conclusion: The sermon concludes by emphasizing that true worship is a life poured out for Jesus. It challenges the congregation to pursue full devotion to God, recognizing that nothing given in worship to Jesus is ever wasted.