Extravagant Worship: A Heartfelt Response to Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound narrative of Mary's act of worship as she anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wiped them with her hair. This story, found in John 12, contrasts two types of worship: one that is genuine, intimate, and sacrificial, and another that is self-serving and hypocritical, as exemplified by Judas Iscariot's response to Mary's act.
Mary's worship was not a spontaneous outburst but a deliberate and thoughtful act. She came prepared, knowing that Jesus would be present and recognizing the significance of the moment. Her actions were not driven by emotionalism, though they were deeply emotional. She was moved to tears, understanding both her sinfulness and the forgiveness and grace Jesus offered her. Her worship was intimate and innocent, marked by a passionate yet non-erotic love for Jesus. In a culture that would have found her actions disgraceful, Mary chose to honor Jesus without regard for her own dignity or societal norms.
Judas, on the other hand, criticized Mary's act as wasteful, pretending to care for the poor when in reality, he was motivated by greed and a desire to steal from the money bag. His heart was not aligned with the heart of God, and his false sincerity was a stark contrast to Mary's genuine devotion.
Mary's act of worship was extravagant yet appropriate. She gave all she had, reflecting a heart fully surrendered to Jesus. Her worship was not only a personal offering but also a public declaration of her love and commitment to Christ. It filled the room with a fragrance that symbolized life and beauty to those who were receptive and death to those who were resistant.
In our own lives, we are called to worship Jesus in a manner similar to Mary's—extravagantly, intimately, and humbly. We must give into His love and give Him our lives, surrendering all our pride and acknowledging that God owes us nothing, yet has given us everything. True worship compels us, frees us, and leaves us feeling loved, beautiful, and hopeful.
Key Takeaways:
- Worship that pleases Jesus is not bound by cultural norms or expectations. Mary's act of worship was both personal and public, demonstrating that true worship is a heartfelt response to Jesus' love and grace, regardless of societal standards. It is a call to authenticity in our devotion to Christ. [47:01]
- Genuine worship requires preparation and intentionality. Mary's deliberate act of bringing the perfume to anoint Jesus' feet shows us that worship is not merely a spontaneous emotional response but a planned expression of love and reverence for our Savior. We too should prepare our hearts and minds to encounter Jesus. [48:21]
- Extravagant worship is often misunderstood and criticized by those who prioritize practicality over passion. Judas' reaction to Mary's worship reveals the tension between worldly wisdom and spiritual devotion. As followers of Christ, we must be prepared to face misunderstanding and criticism for our wholehearted worship. [57:52]
- True worship is sacrificial and may come at a great personal cost. Mary's use of expensive perfume represents the sacrifices we make in following Jesus. These sacrifices are a testament to the value we place on our relationship with Him, and they often lead to a deeper experience of His love and presence. [56:38]
- Worship is a response to the recognition of Jesus' sacrifice for us. Mary's actions were a foreshadowing of Jesus' death and an expression of gratitude for His impending sacrifice. Our worship should likewise be a response to the cross, a reflection of our gratitude for the salvation Jesus has secured for us. [58:29]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 12:1-8
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Mary take to worship Jesus in John 12:1-8?
2. How did Judas Iscariot react to Mary's act of worship, and what was his stated reason for his reaction? [44:25]
3. According to the sermon, what cultural norms did Mary break in her act of worship? [46:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Mary's act of worship was described as both intimate and innocent? How does this contrast with the cultural norms of her time? [50:19]
2. What does Judas' reaction to Mary's worship reveal about his character and priorities? [52:10]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of Mary's preparation and intentionality in her act of worship? [48:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt compelled to worship Jesus in a way that might have seemed extravagant or unusual to others. How did you handle any criticism or misunderstanding you faced? [57:52]
2. In what ways can you prepare your heart and mind for worship, similar to how Mary prepared to anoint Jesus' feet? What specific steps can you take this week to be more intentional in your worship? [48:21]
3. Have you ever experienced a conflict between practical concerns and passionate worship, similar to Judas' reaction to Mary? How did you resolve it, and what did you learn from the experience? [52:10]
4. Mary's act of worship was sacrificial and came at a great personal cost. What are some sacrifices you might need to make in your own life to deepen your relationship with Jesus? [56:38]
5. How can you publicly declare your love and commitment to Christ in your daily life, even if it means going against societal norms or expectations? [47:01]
6. Reflect on the idea that true worship compels us, frees us, and leaves us feeling loved, beautiful, and hopeful. How can you cultivate this kind of worship in your personal and communal life? [01:03:44]
7. Consider the ways in which you might be holding back in your worship due to pride or fear of judgment. What steps can you take to surrender these barriers to Jesus and worship Him more fully? [01:02:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Authentic Devotion Transcends Norms
Genuine worship is not confined by the expectations of culture or society. Mary's act of anointing Jesus' feet with costly perfume and wiping them with her hair was a radical display of devotion that defied social conventions. In a similar way, believers are called to express their worship authentically, prioritizing their personal relationship with Jesus over the fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This kind of worship is deeply personal, yet it also serves as a public testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace in one's life. It is a reminder that true worship is a heartfelt response to the recognition of who Jesus is and what He has done, regardless of societal standards or pressures.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 ESV)
Reflection: How might your expression of worship change if you focused solely on pleasing Jesus, rather than worrying about the opinions of others?
Day 2: Intentionality in Worship
Worship that resonates with the heart of God is not accidental; it is intentional and deliberate. Mary's thoughtful act of bringing expensive perfume to anoint Jesus' feet demonstrates that true worship involves preparation and a conscious decision to honor Christ. Believers are encouraged to approach worship with the same level of intentionality, preparing their hearts and minds to encounter Jesus. This preparation can take many forms, such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, or simply setting aside distractions to focus on God. Intentional worship is an act of love and reverence, a planned expression that acknowledges the worthiness of our Savior. [48:21]
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23 ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to prepare your heart for worship, ensuring that your devotion is not merely spontaneous but a true reflection of your love for Jesus?
Day 3: Embracing Misunderstood Worship
Extravagant worship often invites misunderstanding and criticism, especially from those who value practicality over passion. Judas' reaction to Mary's act of worship highlights the tension that can exist between worldly wisdom and spiritual devotion. As followers of Christ, it is important to recognize that wholehearted worship may not always align with the expectations of others. This day encourages believers to remain steadfast in their devotion, even in the face of criticism, trusting that their worship is pleasing to God. [57:52]
"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." (Galatians 1:10 ESV)
Reflection: Can you recall a time when your expression of worship was misunderstood or criticized? How can you remain faithful to your worship of Jesus despite the opinions of others?
Day 4: The Cost of True Worship
True worship is often marked by sacrifice and personal cost. Mary's use of expensive perfume to anoint Jesus' feet is a powerful example of the sacrifices made in the act of worship. This day's devotional calls believers to consider the value they place on their relationship with Jesus and the sacrifices they are willing to make to honor Him. These sacrifices, whether they be time, resources, or personal comfort, are a testament to the depth of one's devotion and often lead to a more profound experience of God's love and presence. [56:38]
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16 ESV)
Reflection: What is something valuable that you can offer to Jesus as an act of worship, and how can this sacrifice deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Worship as a Response to the Cross
Worship is a natural response to the recognition of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet was a foreshadowing of His death and a profound expression of gratitude for the salvation He would secure. This day's devotional invites believers to reflect on the cross and the immense sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. Worship, in this light, is not just an act of personal devotion but also a response to the grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus' atoning work. It is a celebration of the hope and beauty that comes from salvation. [58:29]
"And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:2 ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross shape your understanding of worship, and how can you express your gratitude for His sacrifice in your daily life?
Quotes
- "Worshiping Christ means giving all that you are; following Jesus has a cost. It might cost you a relationship, money, or comfort, but giving up your security is nothing compared to the security you're gaining in Christ." [56:38] (Download | )
- "Mary's worship was not a spontaneous outburst but a deliberate and thoughtful act. She came prepared, knowing that Jesus would be present and recognizing the significance of the moment." [48:21] (Download | )
- "Mary's act of worship was extravagant yet appropriate. She gave all she had, reflecting a heart fully surrendered to Jesus." [55:59] (Download | )
- "True worship compels us, frees us, and leaves us feeling loved, beautiful, and hopeful." [01:03:44] (Download | )
- "Mary's worship was intimate and innocent, marked by a passionate yet non-erotic love for Jesus. In a culture that would have found her actions disgraceful, Mary chose to honor Jesus without regard for her own dignity or societal norms." [50:49] (Download | )
- "Glorifying Christ means abandoning your pride, and that's what Mary does here, but that exposes the pride around her." [52:53] (Download | )
- "You can't worship God or follow Jesus until you drop the idea that God owes you a wonderful life. The church is full of bitter, resentful, even angry people who have had disappointment in their life." [54:09] (Download | )
- "Mary's worship would linger... this ointment... would be a lingering reminder to him as he in the next couple of days washed the disciples' feet... that what he was doing mattered to at least one person." [01:05:44] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "Mary's innocent; she's a great sinner but in an act of intimacy, she does something that is not sinful. Here is a love that does not have sexual fulfillment; it is a better love." [51:30] (Download | )
- "Mary's worship was so profoundly beautiful because it gave Jesus glory." [47:44] (Download | Download cropped video)
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