Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• This account is in the other Gospels [Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:2-8]
• Example of work in the police force and writing statements
• Putting the different Gospel accounts together gives us a lovely picture of what Mar ydid
• Mary brought pure spikenard (a product from India)
• Often used to prepare bodies for burial, sometimes as a dowry for a wedding
• It was very costly - worth more than a years wage
• This was an act of lavish love and devotion from Mary
• An example of offering ourselves as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1)
• Three main players
• Mary
• The disciples
• The Lord Jesus

Mary Worshiping (v3)

• Jesus was at the house of a former leper
• Perhaps this man had been healed by Jesus
• Perhaps Simon planned this meal for Jesus to show his gratitude
• Matthew & Mark refer to her as woman
• John tells us it is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:2)
• This took place days before Passover

What compelled Mary to pour out this costly oil on Jesus?

• Her love for Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)
• Example of the two types of breaking glass/jars
• She was prepared for the cost
• Following Jesus is costly (Luke 9:23)
• Example of the persecuted church
• Count the cost and follow Jesus
• The fragrance of her devotion touched others (John 12:3)
• It was sacrificial love
• Her faith in Jesus (v8)
• She had sat at the feet of Jesus
• Quote from John McArthur
• It was a personal faith in Jesus
• Have you witnessed the power of Jesus in your life?
• Do you know Jesus in a personal way?
• Do you know Jesus?
• Do you have a personal faith in Jesus?
• Mary gave her all for Jesus
• Quote from CT Studd

The Disciples Criticising (v4)

• Mary was criticised for what she had done
• The criticism came from the disciples, from Judas and maybe others
• The criticism came from an unexpected source
• Criticism can come from unexpected sources
• This can often be the viewpoint of the world
• Example of the martyred Saints - nothing is wasted that is given to Jesus
• Notice how Mary responded to the criticism
• She did not defend herself
• She left it to Jesus to defend her
• This is good advice for you and me
• When satan temps us - look to Jesus to defend us

Jesus Commending (v6-9)

• You will always have the poor but you won't always have Me
• Lavish love upon Me is not a waste
• In the eyes of Jesus, it was something beautiful
• Perhaps you are struggling this morning - but Jesus says in my eyes it is something beautiful
• Jesus dealt with Judas - "for you have the poor with you always" (Deut 15:11)
• Giving to the poor is a priority
• The ultimate priority is the worship of Jesus
• We must use the gifts that Jesus has entrusted to us, for His glory
• "She has done what she could"
• Example of the missionary
• Told as a memorial of Mary
• We can never outlive Jesus
• The gospel is continuing to be preached
• Time is fleeting - serve God now

Closing Remarks

• Contrast of Judas to Mary
• Have we given our lives to Jesus
• Lavish love poured out upon us