Extraordinary Devotion: Prioritizing Christ Above All Else

Devotional

Day 1: Extraordinary Devotion Reflects Christ's Worthiness

Mary of Bethany's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates that true devotion is fitting for someone as worthy as Jesus. Our devotion should reflect the worthiness of Christ, who created the world, sustains life, and provided salvation. This devotion should be evident in our willingness to go out of our way to show our love for Him. Mary's act was not just a simple gesture; it was a profound statement of her recognition of Jesus' supreme worthiness. She did not hold back, even when others criticized her. This teaches us that our devotion to Christ should be extravagant and wholehearted, reflecting His infinite value.

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves holding back in our devotion, whether due to fear of criticism or simply because we do not fully grasp the worthiness of Christ. Mary's example challenges us to reassess our priorities and to offer our best to Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of genuine love and recognition of His worth. Let us strive to make our devotion to Christ evident in our actions, showing that we truly believe He is worthy of our utmost love and sacrifice. [06:07]

Mark 14:3 (ESV): "And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can show extraordinary devotion to Jesus today, reflecting His worthiness in your life?

Day 2: Disregard Baseless Criticism as God Looks at the Intent of the Heart

Mary's act of devotion was met with criticism, but Jesus defended her, highlighting the importance of the heart's intent. While some criticism is constructive, baseless criticism, especially when we are serving the Lord, should be ignored. God sees our hearts and will reward our sacrifices made out of love for Him. This teaches us that our focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others.

When we face criticism for our acts of devotion, it is essential to remember that God knows our hearts and our intentions. He values our sincere efforts to honor Him, even when others do not understand or appreciate them. By keeping our focus on God and His approval, we can find the strength to continue serving Him faithfully, regardless of the opinions of others. [15:01]

1 Samuel 16:7b (ESV): "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Reflection: Think of a time when you faced criticism for your faith. How can you focus on God's approval rather than the opinions of others?

Day 3: Honoring and Glorifying God Through Our Lives Should Be Our Daily Priority

Mary's act of anointing Jesus was a priority for her because she understood the significance of Jesus' impending death. Our daily lives should reflect a priority to honor and glorify God, even if it means making significant sacrifices. This prioritization will affect our decisions and actions, showing our true commitment to Christ.

In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, it is crucial to intentionally make honoring and glorifying God our top priority. This means setting aside time for prayer, worship, and acts of service, even when it is inconvenient or challenging. By doing so, we demonstrate our genuine love for God and our desire to put Him first in all aspects of our lives. [23:38]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can prioritize honoring and glorifying God in your daily routine today?

Day 4: Commitment to Christ is a Personal Decision, Ignoring the World's Hate

The world often hates and criticizes those who are devoted to Christ. However, our commitment to Jesus should be a personal decision, unaffected by public opinion. True devotion is most evident in challenging times, and we must choose to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, regardless of the world's hate.

In times of adversity, our commitment to Christ is tested. It is during these moments that our true devotion is revealed. By choosing to remain faithful to Jesus, even when it is difficult or unpopular, we demonstrate the depth of our love and commitment to Him. Let us be encouraged to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from God, not from the approval of the world. [32:18]

John 15:18-19 (ESV): "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

Reflection: How can you remain steadfast in your commitment to Christ, even when facing criticism or hatred from the world?

Day 5: True Devotion Requires Sacrifice and Prioritization

Mary's willingness to sacrifice a year's worth of wages in perfume for Jesus shows that true devotion requires significant sacrifice and prioritization. Our actions should reflect our words if we claim that Jesus is number one in our lives. This means being willing to give up our comforts, wealth, and even our lives for the sake of Christ.

True devotion to Christ is not just about words; it is about actions that demonstrate our commitment to Him. This often involves making difficult choices and sacrifices, putting Jesus above our own desires and comforts. By prioritizing Christ in our lives, we show that our love for Him is genuine and that we are willing to follow Him, no matter the cost. [35:41]

Luke 14:33 (ESV): "So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can make a sacrifice to show your devotion to Jesus today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In a recent visit to Taipei, I observed a stall owner lighting incense and praying for blessings, which made me reflect on the devotion of followers of other religions compared to many Christians. Often, Christians start their day by checking their phones rather than praying. This observation led me to question our commitment to Christ, especially when we claim to love Him with all our hearts. Our devotion doesn't save us or earn more of God's favor, but it is a reflection of our love for Him.

We examined Mark 14:1-11, where Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. This act of devotion was criticized by some disciples, led by Judas, who saw it as wasteful. However, Jesus defended Mary, recognizing her act as preparation for His burial. This story teaches us that extraordinary devotion is appropriate for one who is worthy, and Jesus is supremely worthy of our love and sacrifice.

Mary's act also teaches us to disregard baseless criticism, as God looks at the intent of the heart. While some criticism is constructive, baseless criticism, especially when we are doing something for the Lord, should be ignored. Mary's devotion was not about neglecting the poor but prioritizing Jesus in a unique moment.

Honoring and glorifying God should be our daily priority. Mary's act of devotion came from a heart that prioritized God above all else. Our actions should reflect our words if we claim that Jesus is number one in our lives. This means making sacrifices and prioritizing God even in challenging times.

Finally, commitment to Christ is a personal decision that often requires ignoring the world's hate. The world may criticize and hate us for our devotion to Christ, but we must remain steadfast. True devotion is most evident in challenging times, and we must choose to be fully committed to Christ, regardless of public opinion.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Extraordinary Devotion is Appropriate for One Who is Worthy: Mary of Bethany's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates that true devotion is fitting for someone as worthy as Jesus. Our devotion should reflect the worthiness of Christ, who created the world, sustains life, and provided salvation. This devotion should be evident in our willingness to go out of our way to show our love for Him. [06:07]
2. Disregard Baseless Criticism as God Looks at the Intent of the Heart: Mary's act of devotion was met with criticism, but Jesus defended her, highlighting the importance of the heart's intent. While some criticism is constructive, baseless criticism, especially when we are serving the Lord, should be ignored. God sees our hearts and will reward our sacrifices made out of love for Him. [15:01]
3. Honoring and Glorifying God Through Our Lives Should Be Our Daily Priority: Mary's act of anointing Jesus was a priority for her because she understood the significance of Jesus' impending death. Our daily lives should reflect a priority to honor and glorify God, even if it means making significant sacrifices. This prioritization will affect our decisions and actions, showing our true commitment to Christ. [23:38]
4. Commitment to Christ is a Personal Decision, Ignoring the World's Hate: The world often hates and criticizes those who are devoted to Christ. However, our commitment to Jesus should be a personal decision, unaffected by public opinion. True devotion is most evident in challenging times, and we must choose to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, regardless of the world's hate. [32:18]
5. True Devotion Requires Sacrifice and Prioritization: Mary's willingness to sacrifice a year's worth of wages in perfume for Jesus shows that true devotion requires significant sacrifice and prioritization. Our actions should reflect our words if we claim that Jesus is number one in our lives. This means being willing to give up our comforts, wealth, and even our lives for the sake of Christ. [35:41]
### [35:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:37] - Observations on Devotion
[03:00] - Questioning Our Commitment
[04:33] - The Anointing of Jesus
[06:07] - Extraordinary Devotion
[07:40] - Worthiness and Sacrifice
[09:02] - Criticism of Devotion
[10:43] - Disciples' Misunderstanding
[12:04] - Responding to Criticism
[13:27] - Heart of Devotion
[15:01] - Disregarding Baseless Criticism
[16:22] - Misunderstanding Intent
[19:26] - Spiritual Crab Mentality
[20:44] - Jesus Defends Mary
[22:12] - Prioritizing Jesus
[23:38] - Daily Priority of Honoring God
[25:02] - Personal Story on Priorities
[27:57] - Acts of Hatred and Betrayal
[29:14] - Judas' Betrayal
[30:44] - True Devotion in Challenging Times
[32:18] - Commitment to Christ
[34:07] - Choosing One Chair
[35:41] - True Devotion Requires Sacrifice

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the significance of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus with expensive perfume? ([04:33])
How did the disciples, particularly Judas, react to Mary's act of devotion? ([10:43])
What was Jesus' response to the criticism Mary received for her act of devotion? ([20:44])
What does the passage suggest about the importance of timing in showing devotion to Jesus? ([22:12])

Interpretation Questions

Why did Jesus consider Mary's act of anointing Him with perfume as preparation for His burial? How does this reflect on her understanding of Jesus' mission? ([06:07])
How does the criticism from the disciples, especially Judas, reveal their misunderstanding of Jesus' worthiness and mission? ([13:27])
What does Jesus' defense of Mary teach us about the value of heartfelt devotion over practical concerns? ([20:44])
How does the contrast between Mary's devotion and Judas' betrayal highlight the different responses to Jesus' impending death? ([29:14])

Application Questions

Reflect on your daily routine. Do you start your day with prayer or by checking your phone? How can you make prayer a priority in your morning routine? ([01:37])
Think about a time when you faced criticism for your faith. How did you handle it? How can you better disregard baseless criticism and focus on God's view of your actions? ([15:01])
What are some ways you can honor and glorify God in your daily life, even if it requires significant sacrifices? ([23:38])
Have you ever felt pressured by the world's opinions about your faith? How can you remain steadfast in your commitment to Christ despite public criticism? ([32:18])
Mary's act of devotion involved significant financial sacrifice. Is there something valuable in your life that you feel called to offer to God? What steps can you take to make that sacrifice? ([35:41])
How do you prioritize your commitments? Are there areas in your life where you need to re-evaluate your priorities to put God first? ([25:02])
Reflect on a challenging time in your life. How did your devotion to Christ help you through it? How can you prepare yourself to stay committed to Christ in future challenges? ([30:44])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Extraordinary devotion is appropriate for one who is worthy. Remember, it doesn't matter the devotion, or faith, if the object of faith and the person of devotion is not the one true God. Putting faith in a false God might be admirable, but it does not save. That's why the only one who is worthy is the one true God, Yahweh, for who he is, the triune, sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. He is worthy, and for what he has done, he created the entire world out of nothing. He gives and sustains life. He provided salvation and eternal life through God the Son. He alone is worthy." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you and I say we love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and He is number one in our lives, and He is worthy to receive anything He wants and receive our best, do our actions match our words? If the one who died for us to save us is worthy of the very lives we live, what are the things we're willing to give to Him? And what are the things we're willing to do for Him? You see, my friends, extraordinary devotion is appropriate for one who is worthy. And our Lord is supremely worthy for who He is and what He has done." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Honoring and glorifying God through our lives should be our daily priority. Acts of devotion and sacrifice come from a heart that prioritizes God above everything else. Those who do not truly put God first in their lives are simply going through the motions of a superficial relationship with him. Mary gave her all, gave her best, something precious and valuable to her, to the Lord, without a second thought." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Commitment to Christ is a personal decision, ignoring the world's hate. You may not believe me, but this fallen world hates the things that are associated with the truth of the Bible. It loathes the exclusivity of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. It is hostile to the teachings of Christ. Galatians chapter 5 verse 11 tells us the cross is offensive to the world. Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 10 verse 22 that we will all be hated if we follow Him. So it shouldn't be a surprise that the world won't like you if you are devoted and committed to Christ." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Devotion is not simply giving Christ things that we have. It's not simply going to the motions or simply giving more or doing more for him that shows our devotion. It is giving the very best of who we are and what we have to him, our very lives. So, my friends, how far will you go in your devotion to Christ? If he asks, would you give up your home for the Lord? That's what he asked Abraham to do. Would you be willing to give up your profession and career for the Lord? That's what he asked Paul to do. Would you be willing to give up your riches for the Lord? That's what he asked the rich young ruler to do." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I honestly have to admit, I and many other Christians are put to shame by the devotion of many who are in false religions or cults. They are willing to go so far to show their love and devotion to their religion, while we can't even be moved to even suffer a little bit of inconvenience or to accommodate our Lord in our schedule. And we would say that, their devotion is to something false, while we have the truth. And yet, for the truth that we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we aren't willing to do very much to break out of our comfort zone or even to be inconvenienced in any way." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Disregard baseless criticism as God looks at the intent of the heart. Notice that I use the word baseless before criticism, because we are not to disregard all criticism. We're not to disregard all criticism. Some criticism is warranted, justified, and constructive, and a spiritual and wise follower of Jesus should take heed, because one can be very good intentioned in his or her heart, but simply do what is wrong. But if there is nothing wrong with what you're doing, and your heart's intent is pure and right before God, then you can just disregard other people's baseless criticism, especially if you're doing something for the Lord as an act of devotion." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The Lord accepted this act of devotion by Mary because her heart was in the right place. Because she carefully listened to the words of Jesus, she knew that she would not have many opportunities to show her love to Jesus before his death. So she prioritized blessing and honoring the Lord above anything else, including her own wealth, if she were to have kept this expensive perfume, or serving others if she were to sell it and help the poor. The priorities of her life was to honor and glorify God when she had the chance. And it was this that the Lord commended." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our true priorities in life come out in our actions. If Jesus is really number one in your life, does he have priority over everything else in life? Don't be a hypocrite before others. And especially before God who sees in the hearts. Now, even if you're committing to prioritizing God in your life, what if challenging times come? What makes this act of Mary of Bethany so much more poignant and special is that sandwiching verses 3 and 9 in this act of devotion, you have two acts of hatred as if to contrast the public sentiments against Jesus versus the private loving sentiments of Mary." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "My friends, so many of us sit on too many chairs. And then we wonder why we keep falling in between them. Choose Christ and ignore the world. It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, what will you give me if I release you? Half my wealth, was the prince's reply. And if I release your children, everything I possess. And if I release your wife, your majesty, I will give myself. Cyrus was so moved by his devotion to his love that he freed them all." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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