Extravagant Worship: Embracing God's Sovereign Plan

 

Summary

In today's exploration of Matthew 26, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Jesus' earthly ministry, just 48 hours before His crucifixion. Jesus, having faced rejection from the religious leaders, now turns His focus to His disciples, preparing them for the imminent events. He clearly states that He will be crucified in two days, aligning with God's divine plan for Him to be the Passover Lamb. Despite the religious leaders' plots, God's purpose prevails, demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart His will.

The narrative then shifts to a significant event at Simon the Leper's house in Bethany, where Jesus is anointed by Mary with expensive ointment. This act of worship is both backward and forward-looking. Mary, filled with gratitude for Jesus' past miracles, including raising her brother Lazarus from the dead, also anticipates His sacrificial death. Her extravagant worship, pouring out the costly perfume, symbolizes her total devotion and recognition of Jesus' impending sacrifice.

This gathering at Simon's house is a microcosm of the transformative power of Jesus. Simon, once a leper, is now healed and hosting a dinner. Lazarus, once dead, is alive and testifying to Jesus' power. Martha serves with joy, embodying the heart of a true servant. Meanwhile, Judas' selfishness contrasts sharply with Mary's sacrifice, highlighting the different responses to Jesus' presence.

Mary's act of worship is criticized by the disciples, led by Judas, who sees it as wasteful. Yet, Jesus defends her, emphasizing that her actions are a beautiful preparation for His burial. This moment underscores the importance of prioritizing worship and devotion to Jesus above all else. Mary's insight into Jesus' mission comes from her deep, extravagant worship, reminding us that true understanding often follows wholehearted devotion.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Sovereign Plan: Despite the religious leaders' plots, God's plan for Jesus to be the Passover Lamb unfolds perfectly. This reminds us that no earthly power can hinder God's purposes, and His timing is always perfect. [05:29]

2. Extravagant Worship: Mary's act of pouring expensive ointment on Jesus illustrates true worship, driven by gratitude and recognition of His sacrifice. Our worship should be wholehearted, reflecting our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. [27:23]

3. Transformation Through Jesus: The gathering at Simon's house showcases the transformative power of Jesus. Simon is healed, Lazarus is resurrected, and Martha serves joyfully. Jesus changes lives, and our stories are testimonies of His grace. [16:48]

4. Criticism in Devotion: Mary's worship was criticized by those closest to Jesus, reminding us that not everyone will understand or appreciate our devotion. When faced with criticism, we should remain focused on Jesus, continuing to worship Him extravagantly. [30:23]

5. Revelation Through Worship: Mary's deep worship led to a profound understanding of Jesus' mission. When we worship with our whole hearts, we position ourselves to receive deeper revelations from God, gaining insights that casual observers may miss. [39:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:44] - Jesus Predicts His Crucifixion
- [03:11] - The Plot Against Jesus
- [04:04] - The Feast of Passover
- [05:29] - God's Sovereign Plan
- [06:48] - Flashback to Simon's Supper
- [12:36] - The Last Sabbath
- [14:18] - Lazarus' Story
- [15:15] - The Dinner Party
- [16:48] - A Foretaste of Heaven
- [18:40] - Martha's Service
- [21:22] - Mary's Sacrifice
- [25:49] - Extravagant Worship
- [30:23] - Criticism of Devotion
- [33:07] - Judas' Selfishness
- [39:24] - Revelation Through Worship
- [41:35] - The Cross and Worship
- [44:53] - Call to Extravagant Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 26:1-16

Observation Questions:
1. What significant event does Jesus predict in Matthew 26:1-2, and how does this align with the religious leaders' plans? [03:11]
2. Describe the setting and the key figures present at Simon the Leper's house in Bethany. What does this gathering reveal about Jesus' impact on those around Him? [06:48]
3. How do the disciples, particularly Judas, react to Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive ointment? What reasons do they give for their criticism? [30:23]
4. What does Jesus say in defense of Mary's actions, and how does He interpret her act of worship? [37:33]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the narrative of Jesus' prediction of His crucifixion in Matthew 26:1-2 demonstrate God's sovereign plan, despite the religious leaders' intentions? [05:29]
2. In what ways does the gathering at Simon's house illustrate the transformative power of Jesus, as seen through the lives of Simon, Lazarus, and Martha? [16:48]
3. What does Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive ointment reveal about her understanding of Jesus' mission and her devotion to Him? [27:23]
4. How does Jesus' response to the disciples' criticism of Mary highlight the importance of prioritizing worship and devotion to Him? [39:24]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's plan was unfolding in your life, even when circumstances seemed contrary. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [05:29]
2. Consider the transformative power of Jesus in your own life. What changes have you experienced, and how can you share your testimony with others to encourage them? [16:48]
3. Mary's act of worship was criticized by those closest to Jesus. Have you ever faced criticism for your devotion to Christ? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Mary's example? [30:23]
4. In what ways can you practice extravagant worship in your daily life, similar to Mary's act of anointing Jesus? What specific actions can you take to deepen your devotion to Him? [27:23]
5. How can you ensure that your worship and service to Jesus remain a priority, even when faced with distractions or criticism from others? [39:24]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel called to serve others joyfully, like Martha. What steps can you take to serve with a heart full of gratitude and devotion? [21:22]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of Jesus' mission through worship, and what practices can help you gain insights that casual observers might miss? [39:24]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Unstoppable Plan
In the face of human schemes and opposition, God's sovereign plan for Jesus to be the Passover Lamb unfolds with perfect precision. Despite the religious leaders' plots to arrest and kill Jesus, His crucifixion occurs exactly as He predicted, demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart God's purposes. This moment in history reminds us that God's timing is always perfect, and His plans are unstoppable. As we reflect on this truth, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty in our own lives, knowing that He is in control and His purposes will prevail. [05:29]

"For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah 14:27, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you surrender this to Him today, believing that His plan is perfect?


Day 2: Worship Through Sacrifice
Mary's act of pouring expensive ointment on Jesus is a profound expression of worship, driven by gratitude and recognition of His impending sacrifice. Her extravagant gesture is both a response to Jesus' past miracles and an anticipation of His sacrificial death. This act of worship challenges us to consider the depth of our own devotion to Jesus. Are we willing to offer Him our best, even when others may not understand or appreciate it? Mary's insight into Jesus' mission came from her wholehearted worship, reminding us that true understanding often follows deep devotion. [27:23]

"And David 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.'" (2 Samuel 24:24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can offer a costly act of worship to Jesus this week, reflecting your gratitude and devotion to Him?


Day 3: Lives Transformed by Jesus
The gathering at Simon the Leper's house is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus. Simon, once a leper, is now healed and hosting a dinner. Lazarus, once dead, is alive and testifying to Jesus' power. Martha serves with joy, embodying the heart of a true servant. Each of these individuals has experienced a profound change through their encounter with Jesus, and their stories are testimonies of His grace. As we reflect on their transformation, we are reminded that Jesus continues to change lives today, and our own stories can be a testament to His power and grace. [16:48]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: How has Jesus transformed your life? Consider sharing your story with someone who needs to hear about His transformative power.


Day 4: Enduring Criticism in Devotion
Mary's act of worship was criticized by those closest to Jesus, highlighting that not everyone will understand or appreciate our devotion. Judas, in particular, saw her actions as wasteful, yet Jesus defended her, emphasizing the beauty of her preparation for His burial. This moment teaches us that when faced with criticism, we should remain focused on Jesus, continuing to worship Him extravagantly. Our devotion to Him should not be swayed by the opinions of others, but rather be rooted in our love and understanding of who He is. [30:23]

"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: Is there an area of your life where you feel criticized for your devotion to Jesus? How can you refocus on Him and continue to worship despite the criticism?


Day 5: Revelation Through Worship
Mary's deep worship led to a profound understanding of Jesus' mission, illustrating that when we worship with our whole hearts, we position ourselves to receive deeper revelations from God. Her act of devotion was not just an expression of love, but also a prophetic insight into Jesus' sacrificial death. This teaches us that true worship opens our hearts to God's revelations, allowing us to gain insights that casual observers may miss. As we seek to worship God with our whole hearts, we are invited to experience a deeper understanding of His purposes and plans for our lives. [39:24]

"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: How can you cultivate a heart of worship that seeks deeper revelations from God? What specific steps can you take to worship Him in spirit and truth this week?

Quotes

"Every detail of God's plan is coming together. And let me just remind you, all the powerful people in all the world will not put a dent in the plan of God. Not then, not now, not ever." [00:05:48]

"Jesus healed his leprosy, right? He's not sick anymore. Now he's throwing a party everywhere. He's not sick anymore. He's not sick anymore. He's not sick anymore. He's not sick in the honor of Jesus, at his home. He's opened up his home to Jesus, and he's invited Jesus and a lot of other friends to come in so they can enjoy this Jewish day that they celebrate, that they love so much, called Sabbath." [00:12:36]

"Here's good news for us this morning. Saints, if you're grieving this morning, here's good news. We don't grieve like those who have no hope. Because death for a believer is not a period, it's a comma. It's not over. It's definitely not over." [00:15:06]

"Don't you see Jesus has given us a little foretaste of what heaven's going to be like? Heaven's going to be a place where the healed and the resurrected sit down at the table with Jesus forever." [00:16:32]

"Mary, therefore, took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard. By the way, nard comes from a root. It's a very rare root that can only be found in India. You can still order nard from India today. For somebody in Bethany to have a pound of that fragrance that's come from a rare root all the way in India, that came at tremendous, tremendous expense." [00:22:15]

"She's loving Jesus. She's worshiping him extravagantly, pouring it all out. I think Mary's worship, in some ways, is kind of backward looking and isn't ours. Here's what I mean by that. I think a lot of her worship is driven by, as she looks backwards and she remembers, when apparently the only man, protector, provider for her and her sister was sick and dying." [00:26:51]

"it wasn't an easy year and there were twists and turns and unexpected things and there were tragedies and disasters and there were things that hurt us and shook us and broke our heart but god is faithful and he's bringing us through and doesn't that drive our worship a little bit and i think it's driving her worship and she can't contain herself this is extravagant worship she's looked around that room and every life in that room is like her life every life in that room has been dramatically changed by the person of jesus christ a guy that was as good as dead with leprosy is back a guy that was dead is back and there's guys who were tax collectors like matthew or who are now fully devoted followers of jesus there's story after story after story and we're not that different from that dinner party today are we because some of us have been thrown out and forgotten and jesus has brought us to the table we were all deader than lazarus we were all dead in our sin and trespasses but jesus has brought us to the table we were all in our sin and our darkness but by the grace of god he's brought us all to the table look we don't lack for reasons this morning to give him praise do we i mean simply him and him alone for who he is that's enough more than enough but on top of who he is there's all the great things that he's done you and she's worshiping jesus full on she's not about to attend a gathering that is intended to honor jesus and not give him her everything what an example this lady is to us you know sometimes when you really begin to get full on with jesus students everybody when you really i'm i'm i'm gonna be fully devoted to jesus i'm gonna i want to worship jesus extravagantly i'm gonna love him with all my heart soul mind and strength just Brace yourself because not everybody's going to get that. Not everybody's going to understand that. Not everybody's going to appreciate that." [00:28:14]

"devotion the people that were watching began to criticize you know where it started from those who were supposed to be closest to Jesus and that how it gets sometimes it was the disciples Matthew 26 8 says and when the disciples saw it they were indignant saying why this waste for this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor John tells us that Judas was actually the one that was kind of behind a lot of this Judas was the treasurer for the ministry of Jesus we're told that he was lining his own pockets that's probably part of what's driving Judas's attitude in this moment and he stirred the others up to say how wasteful this is crazy what what a shame that this is happening so much money she could have just poured some of it out but she's wasted the whole thing it's a year's worth of wages that she just poured out right here on one person what a waste all Mary knows is he's done so much for me you and yet the greatest thing that he's ever going to do for me he has yet to do that and because of what he has done and because of what he is doing and because of what he has yet to do I'm going to give him all my worship and that ought to be our stance here today right because of all that he has done and because of all that he is doing and because of all that he is going to do I'm not going to hold anything back for my worship of Jesus but they're not accepting that listen when you really get devoted to Jesus don't expect the world to stand up and applaud you it won't happen the critics are going to get on you but when that happens when that happens to you do what Mary did when people don't understand your love for Jesus do what Mary did just keep your head down stay" [00:30:26]

"For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. Is Jesus saying don't help the poor? He's not saying to not help the poor. He's just saying our greatest priority should be to Jesus. Our love and our worship to Jesus will result in helping the poor in the right way. Our first devotion before missions is to love Jesus, to worship Jesus. That'll fuel our missions. That'll fuel our evangelism. That'll fuel all the ministry that we do. Jesus says, this is the way it works. He says, you'll always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. And pouring this ointment out on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Three times. Four times. Now, Jesus has told his followers, I'm going to die. I'm going to die. I'm going to die. And they're not getting it. But Mary seems to see something that nobody else sees. She sees the cross coming. She sees the grave coming." [00:38:30]

"Extravagant worship often leads to extravagant revelation. She knows something. They don't know. And I think it's rooted and grounded in the fact that her worship is all in on Jesus." [00:39:32]

"Mary understands that in just a few days, he's going to break his body for her on that cross. And she breaks open this jar of this expensive perfume to prepare him for this week. And to prepare him, Jesus said, for his burial." [00:40:48]

"To call us back to the very foundation, to the very fundamental truth of why we're breathing here today. Why our hearts are beating here today. It is for one purpose and one purpose alone to humble ourselves and to love the Lord our God with everything that we have. To worship Him extravagantly." [00:45:00]

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