Living a Life Fully Poured Out for Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: The Cost of Devotion

A life poured out for Jesus is costly, as demonstrated by Mary of Bethany's act of anointing Jesus with expensive ointment. This act symbolizes the sacrifices we are called to make for our faith. In a world that often prioritizes convenience and comfort, true discipleship involves giving up our own desires and embracing the cost of following Christ. This path may not always be easy, but it leads to the abundant life that Jesus offers. Mary's offering was a profound expression of her gratitude and love for Jesus, who had raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. Her willingness to give something of great value challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our faith. [11:56]

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 thing of value in your life that you feel God is calling you to offer up as a sacrifice for the sake of your faith? How can you take a step towards doing that today?

Day 2: Faith in Action

Mary's act of anointing Jesus was not just an intention but a demonstration of her faith in action. A life poured out for Jesus is active, requiring us to take tangible steps in our faith journey. Whether it's serving others, sharing our testimony, or making sacrifices for the gospel, our faith should move us to action. Jesus responds to our actions, not just our intentions. Mary's example encourages us to live out our faith actively, showing that our devotion to Christ is not just a private matter but something that should be evident in our daily lives. [20:37]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way. How can you ensure that this action is aligned with your devotion to Christ?

Day 3: The Public Nature of Faith

Mary's offering was witnessed by many, and its fragrance filled the room, symbolizing the public nature of a life poured out for Jesus. Our faith is meant to be shared openly, becoming a fragrance that refreshes and invigorates those around us. When we live out our faith publicly, it serves as a testimony to others and can inspire them to seek a deeper relationship with Christ. Mary's act of worship was not hidden but was a bold declaration of her love for Jesus. This challenges us to consider how we can live out our faith in a way that impacts those around us. [25:15]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: In what ways can you make your faith more visible to those around you? How can you be a light in your community this week?

Day 4: Leaving a Legacy

A life poured out for Jesus leaves a legacy, as seen in Mary's story, which Jesus declared would be told wherever the gospel is preached. Our lives, when fully surrendered to Christ, tell a story that impacts generations. The legacy we leave is not just in words but in the actions and sacrifices we make for the kingdom of God. Mary's act of devotion has been remembered throughout history, serving as an example of what it means to live a life fully committed to Christ. This challenges us to consider the legacy we are leaving behind and how our lives can impact future generations. [29:26]

Hebrews 11:4 (ESV): "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks."

Reflection: What kind of legacy do you want to leave for future generations? What steps can you take today to ensure that your life tells a story of faith and devotion to Christ?

Day 5: Offering What We Have

Jesus is not asking for more than what we already have. He desires what is in our hands, no matter how small it may seem. Our offering, when given in gratitude, can change the legacy of our family and community. Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive ointment was a significant offering, but it was what she had to give. This reminds us that God values our willingness to offer what we have, regardless of its size or value. When we give with a grateful heart, our offering can have a profound impact on those around us and can be used by God to further His kingdom. [34:23]

Mark 12:41-44 (ESV): "And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"

Reflection: What is one small thing you have that you can offer to God today? How can you give it with a heart of gratitude, trusting that He will use it for His purposes?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of living a life fully poured out for Jesus, inspired by the story of Mary of Bethany. As we approach Easter, it's a time to reflect on the final days of Jesus' life and the significance of His sacrifice. The story of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive ointment serves as a powerful reminder of the cost and beauty of a life devoted to Christ. Mary, in her act of worship, poured out a costly offering, demonstrating her gratitude and love for Jesus, who had raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. This act was not just a display of devotion but a declaration that Jesus is worthy of our all.

A life poured out is costly, as Mary showed by offering something of great value. It challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our faith. In a culture that often seeks convenience and comfort, following Jesus requires us to lay down our own desires and embrace His call, even when it demands a high price. This life of discipleship is not about receiving everything we want but about surrendering our lives to gain the abundant life Jesus offers.

Moreover, a life poured out is active. Mary didn't just intend to honor Jesus; she took action. Her offering was a tangible expression of her faith. Similarly, our faith should move us to action, whether it's serving others, sharing our testimony, or making sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. Jesus responds to our actions, not just our intentions.

A life poured out is also public. Mary's act of worship was witnessed by many, and the fragrance of her offering filled the room. Our faith is meant to be shared, not kept private. When we live out our faith openly, it becomes a fragrance that refreshes and invigorates those around us.

Finally, a life poured out leaves a legacy. Jesus declared that wherever the gospel is preached, Mary's story would be told. Our lives, when fully surrendered to Christ, tell a story that impacts generations. The legacy we leave is not just in words but in the actions and sacrifices we make for the kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways

1. A life poured out is costly. Mary’s offering of expensive ointment symbolizes the sacrifices we are called to make for Jesus. True discipleship involves giving up our own way and embracing the cost of following Christ, which leads to abundant life. [11:56]
2. A life poured out is active. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus was a demonstration of her faith in action. Our faith should move us to take tangible steps, whether it’s serving others, sharing our testimony, or making sacrifices for the gospel. [20:37]
3. A life poured out is public. Mary’s offering was witnessed by many, and its fragrance filled the room. Our faith is meant to be shared openly, becoming a fragrance that refreshes and invigorates those around us. [25:15]
4. A life poured out leaves a legacy. Jesus declared that Mary’s story would be told wherever the gospel is preached. Our lives, when fully surrendered to Christ, tell a story that impacts generations and leaves a lasting legacy. [29:26]
5. Jesus is not asking for more than what we already have. He desires what is in our hands, no matter how small it may seem. Our offering, when given in gratitude, can change the legacy of our family and community. [34:23]
** [34:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:32] - Jesus' Final Days
[06:56] - The Story of Mary and Lazarus
[11:56] - The Cost of a Life Poured Out
[20:37] - Taking Action in Faith
[25:15] - The Public Nature of Faith
[29:26] - Leaving a Legacy
[34:23] - Offering What We Have
[36:26] - Invitation to Say Yes to Jesus
[38:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: A Life Poured Out

Bible Reading:
- John 12:1-8
- Matthew 16:24-26
- Romans 12:1

Observation Questions:

What was the significance of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive ointment, and how did those present react to her actions? [06:56]
How does the sermon describe the cultural implications of Mary letting her hair down to wipe Jesus' feet? [20:37]
What does the sermon suggest about the fragrance of Mary's offering and its impact on those present? [25:15]
According to the sermon, what does it mean for a life to be "fully poured out" for Jesus? [11:56]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the story of Mary anointing Jesus challenge the cultural norms of her time, and what does this teach us about the nature of true worship? [06:56]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that a life poured out for Jesus is costly, and how does this relate to the concept of discipleship? [11:56]
How does the sermon illustrate the idea that a life poured out is active, and what are some examples given of taking action in faith? [20:37]
What does the sermon mean by saying that a life poured out leaves a legacy, and how can this be seen in the story of Mary and in our own lives? [29:26]

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt called to make a costly sacrifice for your faith. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your relationship with Jesus? [11:56]
Consider the ways in which your faith is active. What tangible steps can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in action, such as serving others or sharing your testimony? [20:37]
How can you make your faith more public in your daily life? Identify one specific way you can share your faith openly with those around you this week. [25:15]
Think about the legacy you want to leave as a follower of Christ. What actions or sacrifices can you make now that will impact future generations? [29:26]
The sermon mentions that Jesus is not asking for more than what we already have. What is one thing you currently have that you can offer to Jesus as an act of gratitude? [34:23]
How can you ensure that your life is fully poured out for Jesus, without holding back or having a "plan B"? What steps can you take to commit fully to His call? [11:56]
Reflect on the story of Mary and her offering. How does her example inspire you to live a life of devotion and worship? What specific changes can you make to align your life more closely with her example? [06:56]

Sermon Clips

"I've been praying for each of you this week that you would know how worthy Jesus is to pour your life onto Him. He is so faithful, and He's so worthy, and He's a real person. He was a real person. And I think we can forget that, and we can just go through our services and go like, Oh, yeah, we pray, we worship, we say these words, and we get out of here. No, Jesus walked among us." [00:01:48] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

"And the story that we're looking at today, it's the story right before Palm Sunday, the last event that took place. And in that event, Jesus is just having dinner with some friends. King of glory knows that he will soon be crucified for the sins of sinful, unapologetic humanity. And he's like, where would I rather be than just have dinner with some friends? This guy is awesome." [00:03:39] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

"Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard. Allow me to explain what this is. Not the nard dog. Nard is for the office fans. The nard was an eastern plant that provided a fragrant oil. She anointed the feet of Jesus with this oil and wiped his feet with her hair. Now quick background story. This Mary was not Jesus's mom. This was a different Mary. She was a disciple of sorts of Jesus." [00:05:34] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

"Mary coming and bringing everything she had as an offering of gratitude. People are naysaying and saying, this is ridiculous. She's making a fool of herself. What a dummy. She could have used this money for something else. And Jesus says, no, no, no. This display, this life poured out is beautiful to me. And here's our main thought. Jesus is moved by a life that is fully poured out. Fully poured out." [00:08:49] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

"Thoughts and idleness do not move God's heart, but a life that takes action, that moves the heart of God. The first step moves the heart of God. Let me just say that to someone in the room. The first step moves the heart of God. You putting the first tithe down on the table, that moves the heart of God. When you say, no, we're going to church, that moves the heart of God." [00:24:36] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

"Jesus says, wherever they are talking about me throughout the world, they will also be talking about her. What? That's how much this offering moved God's heart. Your life poured out will tell a story. And I would add this, your life not poured out will also tell a story. I think about the stories I hear. Pastor Dave and Donna, who had nothing." [00:28:44] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

"And we think like, oh, Pastor Dave, he must be backed by the money of moguls, obviously, to start this place. And like, you think we just stumbled upon this? No. They came with kids and nothing, nothing, from nothing, offered nothing, and started this. And now we stand in the overwhelming presence of God because someone brought their offering. Someone brought what was precious and costly to them." [00:29:36] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

"But the sentiment is there and it is powerful that my mom broke the jar and said, people in my family have glorified Satan and have dealt with the occult and witchcraft. And that breaks right now. And I am never going back. And she made steps in her life to bring an offering to God. And now I stand as a Holy Spirit filled believer with three daughters of my own." [00:31:06] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

"She did what she could. Literally translated means what she had, she did. Jesus is not asking you for more than what you already have. He is not asking you to be somebody else. He's not asking you to go find the strength and muster up the energy on your own. He's saying, no, no, no, right where you are, right where you are, what do you have? That's all I'm asking for." [00:33:33] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

"He's telling you what movies you don't need to be letting in your house anymore. He's saying specific things to people all over the room. But the cry of our church this morning is, God, whatever you're asking for, yes, we will pour it out. So, Lord, right now over your church, we say let us be a church who does not sit back and watch other people bring an offering, but we will stand in active faith." [00:37:38] (24 seconds) Edit Clip