Costly Worship: A Heartfelt Devotion to Christ
Summary
### Summary
In Mark 14:1-11, we delve into the Passion Week of Jesus, focusing on the pivotal moment when a woman anoints Jesus with costly oil. This act of worship, performed by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is a profound demonstration of sacrificial love and devotion. The narrative contrasts the plotting of the religious leaders and Judas' betrayal with Mary's extravagant act of worship. This juxtaposition highlights the varying responses to Jesus' impending crucifixion.
Mary's act of breaking the alabaster flask and anointing Jesus is a powerful symbol of costly worship. It challenges us to consider what we value most and how much we are willing to sacrifice for Christ. Mary's worship was public, sacrificial, and complete, embodying a deep gratitude for what Jesus had done for her and her family. Despite the criticism from the disciples, particularly Judas, Jesus commends Mary's act as a beautiful and memorable expression of love.
The sermon encourages us to reflect on our own worship and devotion to Christ. Are we willing to embrace public shame, sacrifice our treasures, and give our all to Jesus? The call is to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, recognizing that true worship will often be costly but is always worth it. Jesus deserves our best, and our worship should reflect His infinite worth and glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Costly Worship is Public: Mary's act of worship was public and went against social norms. She was willing to embrace shame and humiliation to honor Jesus. This challenges us to publicly acknowledge and worship Christ, even when it is not socially acceptable or may bring criticism. True faith is personal but not private. [14:54]
2. Costly Worship is Sacrificial: Mary’s anointing of Jesus with expensive perfume worth a year's wages demonstrates sacrificial worship. She gave up her most valuable possession, showing that Jesus is worth more than any earthly treasure. This teaches us that our worship should involve real sacrifice, reflecting the infinite worth of Christ. [18:13]
3. Costly Worship is Complete: By breaking the alabaster flask, Mary showed her total commitment to Jesus. There was no turning back; she gave her all. This calls us to examine whether we are fully committed to Christ, giving Him our best and not just what is left over. [27:13]
4. Costly Worship Will Be Criticized: Mary's act of worship was met with criticism from the disciples, particularly Judas. This reminds us that true, sacrificial worship will often be misunderstood and criticized by others, even within the church. However, Jesus values and defends our sincere acts of devotion. [30:32]
5. Costly Worship Pleases Jesus: Despite the criticism, Jesus commended Mary's act as beautiful and memorable. This assures us that our costly worship pleases Jesus and leaves a lasting legacy. Our focus should be on pleasing Christ rather than seeking the approval of others. [35:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - The Anointing at Bethany
[03:30] - Personal Story: The Cost of Value
[06:55] - Plotting Against Jesus
[09:04] - The Extravagant Worship of Mary
[12:04] - Costly Worship is Public
[18:13] - Costly Worship is Sacrificial
[27:13] - Costly Worship is Complete
[30:32] - Costly Worship Will Be Criticized
[35:15] - Costly Worship Pleases Jesus
[37:45] - Invitation to Trust in Christ
[38:55] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Mark 14:1-11
### Observation Questions
1. What significant event does Mary perform in Mark 14:3, and what is the significance of the item she uses? [01:07]
2. How do the disciples react to Mary's act of anointing Jesus, and who specifically voices their disapproval? [31:21]
3. What does Jesus say in defense of Mary's actions, and how does He describe her act of worship? [35:15]
4. What are the contrasting actions of Judas and the religious leaders compared to Mary's act of worship in this passage? [09:04]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Mary's act of anointing Jesus with costly oil be considered a profound demonstration of sacrificial love and devotion? [12:04]
2. How does the public nature of Mary's worship challenge contemporary believers in their expression of faith? [14:54]
3. In what ways does the criticism Mary faces from the disciples reflect common reactions to acts of extravagant worship today? [30:32]
4. How does Jesus' commendation of Mary's act as "beautiful" influence our understanding of what pleases Him in our worship? [35:15]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to publicly express your faith. How did you handle any potential or actual criticism? What can you learn from Mary's example? [14:54]
2. Consider your most valuable possessions or resources. What would it look like for you to offer them sacrificially to Jesus? How can you take a step towards this kind of worship this week? [18:13]
3. Think about your current level of commitment to Christ. Are there areas where you are holding back? What steps can you take to ensure your worship is complete and wholehearted? [27:13]
4. Have you ever faced criticism for your acts of worship or service to God? How did you respond, and how can Jesus' defense of Mary encourage you to stay committed? [30:32]
5. Reflect on the ways you prioritize your time, talents, and treasures. How can you better align these priorities to reflect the infinite worth of Christ? [24:55]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you can embrace public shame or criticism for the sake of honoring Jesus. How can you prepare yourself to face this challenge? [14:54]
7. How can you ensure that your acts of worship leave a lasting legacy, similar to Mary's? What practical steps can you take to make your worship memorable and impactful? [36:13]
Devotional
### Day 1: Public Worship Defies Social Norms
Mary's act of worship was public and went against social norms. She was willing to embrace shame and humiliation to honor Jesus. This challenges us to publicly acknowledge and worship Christ, even when it is not socially acceptable or may bring criticism. True faith is personal but not private. [14:54]
In Mark 14:1-11, Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus with costly oil in a public setting. This act of worship was not only extravagant but also defied social norms of the time. Women were not typically seen performing such acts in public, and the disciples, particularly Judas, criticized her for it. However, Mary was willing to face public shame and humiliation to honor Jesus. Her act of worship was a bold declaration of her faith and devotion, showing that true worship often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and publicly acknowledge our allegiance to Christ.
This challenges us to consider how we express our faith in public. Are we willing to stand up for our beliefs, even when it may bring criticism or ridicule? True faith is personal but not private. It calls us to be bold in our worship and to let our light shine before others, so they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.
Mark 8:38 (ESV): "For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt hesitant to express your faith publicly. How can you take a step of boldness to honor Jesus in that context today?
### Day 2: Sacrificial Worship Reflects Christ's Worth
Mary’s anointing of Jesus with expensive perfume worth a year's wages demonstrates sacrificial worship. She gave up her most valuable possession, showing that Jesus is worth more than any earthly treasure. This teaches us that our worship should involve real sacrifice, reflecting the infinite worth of Christ. [18:13]
Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, worth a year's wages, is a profound example of sacrificial worship. She gave up her most valuable possession to honor Jesus, demonstrating that He is worth more than any earthly treasure. This act of worship was not just about the material value of the perfume but about the heart behind the sacrifice. Mary recognized the infinite worth of Christ and was willing to give up something precious to her to show her devotion.
This challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for Christ. True worship often involves giving up something valuable to us, whether it be our time, resources, or even our comfort. It calls us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else and to show through our actions that He is worth more than anything this world can offer.
2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV): "But the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
Reflection: What is one valuable thing in your life that you can offer to Jesus as a sacrifice of worship today? How can this act of sacrifice deepen your relationship with Him?
### Day 3: Complete Worship Requires Total Commitment
By breaking the alabaster flask, Mary showed her total commitment to Jesus. There was no turning back; she gave her all. This calls us to examine whether we are fully committed to Christ, giving Him our best and not just what is left over. [27:13]
When Mary broke the alabaster flask to anoint Jesus, she demonstrated total commitment. The act of breaking the flask meant that there was no turning back; she gave her all to Jesus. This symbolizes complete and wholehearted worship, where nothing is held back. Mary's act challenges us to examine our own commitment to Christ. Are we giving Him our best, or just what is left over? True worship requires us to be fully committed, to give our all to Jesus without reservation.
This calls us to a deeper level of devotion, where we are willing to surrender everything to Christ. It means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and being willing to let go of anything that hinders our worship. Complete worship is about giving our best to Jesus, not just in moments of convenience but in every aspect of our lives.
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are holding back from fully committing to Jesus? What steps can you take today to offer your complete and wholehearted worship to Him?
### Day 4: True Worship Faces Criticism
Mary's act of worship was met with criticism from the disciples, particularly Judas. This reminds us that true, sacrificial worship will often be misunderstood and criticized by others, even within the church. However, Jesus values and defends our sincere acts of devotion. [30:32]
Mary's act of anointing Jesus was met with criticism from the disciples, especially Judas, who saw it as a waste of resources. This reminds us that true, sacrificial worship will often be misunderstood and criticized by others, even within the church. People may not always understand the depth of our devotion or the reasons behind our acts of worship. However, Jesus values and defends our sincere acts of devotion. He commended Mary for her beautiful and memorable expression of love, showing that what matters most is not the approval of others but the approval of Christ.
This encourages us to remain steadfast in our worship, even when faced with criticism or misunderstanding. True worship is about pleasing Jesus, not seeking the approval of others. It calls us to focus on our relationship with Him and to trust that He sees and values our sincere acts of devotion, even when others do not.
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: Have you ever faced criticism or misunderstanding for your acts of worship or devotion to Christ? How can you focus on pleasing Jesus rather than seeking the approval of others?
### Day 5: Pleasing Jesus Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Despite the criticism, Jesus commended Mary's act as beautiful and memorable. This assures us that our costly worship pleases Jesus and leaves a lasting legacy. Our focus should be on pleasing Christ rather than seeking the approval of others. [35:15]
Despite the criticism Mary faced, Jesus commended her act of anointing Him as beautiful and memorable. He assured that wherever the gospel is preached, her act of devotion would be remembered. This teaches us that our costly worship pleases Jesus and leaves a lasting legacy. When we prioritize pleasing Christ over seeking the approval of others, our acts of worship become a testimony of our love and devotion to Him.
This encourages us to focus on what truly matters—pleasing Jesus. Our acts of worship, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to others, are valuable in the eyes of Christ. They leave a lasting impact and become a part of our legacy of faith. True worship is about giving our best to Jesus and trusting that He sees and values our devotion.
Hebrews 6:10 (ESV): "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Reflection: What is one act of worship or service you can offer to Jesus today that will leave a lasting legacy? How can you focus on pleasing Him rather than seeking the approval of others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But the truth is that we're willing to give more for and to the things that we value the most. We sacrifice for the people, the places, the things which we put the most value upon. As we transition to our text, I just want to raise this question to your, hearing this morning, of what value do you put on Christ? In other words, what is Jesus worth to you?" [05:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Mary worshiped Jesus publicly even when it was not socially acceptable. Mary's not supposed to be in that room. But Mary embraces all the shame. Mary embraces all the humiliation in order to be at the feet of Jesus. You know, there are times when public displays of affection for Christ, when public acknowledgment, when public affirmation that Jesus Christ is Lord will cost you." [14:10] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Listen, no matter what you've been through, no matter what you're going through, no matter if you're going through something right now, we should all have an attitude of gratitude because God has been good to us, friend. He woke you up this morning, put a roof over your head, shoes on your feet, clothes on your back. And can I tell you that even if he didn't, he's still good." [21:57] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if rather than scheduling church around our lives, we began to schedule our lives around church? Rather than saying, I can't be involved or I can't make it this Sunday or Wednesday, whatever it may be, because I have X, Y, Z. I said, I can't make it to X, Y, Z because I have church, because I have discipleship, because I have to go and serve in some way or capacity." [25:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen, aren't you glad that as Jesus was hung high and stretched wide, as he had nails in his hands and feet, a crown of thorns upon his head, listen, as he was beaten and brutalized for the sins that we committed, that Jesus did not cry out to the Father, Father, you're asking too much of me, take me down. In the words of C.T. Studd, if Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great, for me to make for him." [29:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Mary's worship was rightly prioritized. The disciples get mad. They say that money could have been used for the poor. But Jesus says that Mary did a good thing. And Mary put Jesus, first. This is a stark contrast to the disciples. And if we're honest with ourselves this morning, many of us." [23:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Mary gave Jesus her best because Jesus deserves our best. Because Jesus is worthy of our best. What if rather than scheduling church around our lives, we began to schedule our lives around church? Rather than saying, I can't be involved or I can't make it this Sunday or Wednesday, whatever it may be, because I have X, Y, Z. I said, I can't make it to X, Y, Z because I have church, because I have discipleship, because I have to go and serve in some way or capacity." [24:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Costly worship is complete. In other words, costly worship requires us to be all in. By breaking the alabaster flask, Mary could never use that jar again. She smashes it. I see it kind of as a symbol of her dedication to Christ. I remember singing this song as a kid. I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. This is Mary's declaration of I am giving my all to Jesus, no turning back. Her chips were all on the table." [26:37] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The disciples don't see the beauty of Mary's act. Because they fail to see the value of Jesus. The disciples don't see the beauty of Mary's act because they fail to see the ultimate value and worth of Jesus. Nevertheless, church, can I encourage you this morning that though criticism and rebuke may come for your costly worship, Jesus has the final say." [34:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Mary worships, the disciples criticize, and Jesus defends. Look at verse 6. But Jesus said, Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. Jesus commends Mary's worship. The actual Greek word used here to speak of a good work is probably even better translated as beautiful. What a word from Jesus. Jesus says, Mary has done a beautiful thing. You may be criticized here, church, but in heaven you have a master who applauds your love for help." [35:15] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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