What Is Jesus Worth to You?

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound question: "What is Jesus worth to you?" This question was framed through a personal story of buying an engagement ring, which led to a deeper reflection on the value we place on Jesus in our lives. We delved into Mark 14, where Jesus is anointed by an unnamed woman with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. This act of devotion, worth a year's wages, was a powerful demonstration of her understanding of Jesus' worth. Despite the criticism she faced, her actions were a testament to her faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

We examined the context of the Passover week, the political and religious tensions, and the urgency felt by the chief priests and teachers of the law to arrest Jesus. Their concern was more about maintaining their power and public opinion than recognizing the kingdom of God. The woman's act of anointing Jesus was contrasted with the disciples' inability to fully grasp His worth, despite witnessing His miracles and teachings.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of giving and how true worship involves sacrificial giving. The woman's act of breaking the alabaster jar was not just a financial sacrifice but a complete surrender of her security and possessions to Jesus. This was a powerful reminder that when we see the glory of Jesus, our values and priorities change.

We also heard testimonies of modern-day faith journeys, like Dave's story of overcoming alcoholism through faith and a young boy's decision to be baptized after understanding the gospel. These stories illustrated how recognizing Jesus' worth transforms lives.

Ultimately, the sermon called us to reflect on our own lives and answer the question: "What is Jesus worth to you?" It challenged us to consider how our actions, sacrifices, and priorities reflect our understanding of Jesus' value.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Value of Jesus: The woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates that recognizing Jesus' worth leads to sacrificial giving. Her actions show that true worship involves giving our best to Jesus, not out of obligation but out of love and recognition of His glory. [15:24]

2. Context of Sacrifice: Understanding the historical and cultural context of the Passover week helps us appreciate the significance of the woman's sacrifice. Amidst political and religious tensions, her act of devotion stands out as a profound statement of faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. [06:00]

3. Transformation Through Faith: Personal testimonies, like Dave's journey to sobriety, illustrate how recognizing Jesus' worth can lead to life-changing transformations. When we place our trust in Jesus and surrender our struggles to Him, we experience His power and grace in profound ways. [27:58]

4. The Challenge of Giving: The sermon challenges us to rethink our approach to giving. Instead of asking how much is enough, we should ask how much we get to give. This shift in perspective reveals our understanding that giving is an act of worship and a reflection of our recognition of Jesus' worth. [17:33]

5. Answering the Question: The central question, "What is Jesus worth to you?" requires a personal and honest answer. Our actions, sacrifices, and priorities should reflect our understanding of Jesus' value. This question is not just theoretical but demands a practical response in our daily lives. [35:39]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - The Engagement Ring Story
[01:58] - What is Jesus Worth?
[03:08] - Context of Mark 14
[04:08] - The Passover Week
[05:03] - Political and Religious Tensions
[06:00] - The Significance of Passover
[06:59] - Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
[07:39] - The Pharisees' Concerns
[08:28] - Understanding the Context
[09:33] - The Crowds and Celebrations
[10:17] - Mark's Chronological Placement
[11:20] - The Story of the Anointing
[12:27] - The Setting in Bethany
[13:13] - The Real Place and Real Story
[14:18] - The Anointing with Perfume
[15:24] - The Value of the Perfume
[16:22] - The Sacrificial Act
[17:33] - The Challenge of Giving
[18:38] - Personal Testimony: Dave's Story
[20:33] - The Woman's Devotion
[21:23] - The Significance of Her Hair
[22:13] - The Unnamed Woman
[23:05] - Faithfulness in Unexpected Places
[24:28] - Judas' Rebuke
[26:19] - Dave's Journey to Sobriety
[27:58] - Answering the Question
[29:30] - Jesus' Declaration
[31:02] - The Widow's Offering
[32:44] - Oil Belt Camp Story
[34:05] - The Boy's Questions
[35:39] - The Boy's Baptism
[38:00] - Communion and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Mark 14:1-9
- John 12:1-8
- 1 Corinthians 11:15

### Observation Questions
1. What significant event was approaching during the time of the woman's anointing of Jesus in Mark 14? ([04:08])
2. How did the unnamed woman demonstrate her understanding of Jesus' worth through her actions? ([14:18])
3. What was the reaction of those present when the woman anointed Jesus with the expensive perfume? ([24:28])
4. According to the sermon, what does the woman's act of breaking the alabaster jar symbolize in terms of her faith and devotion? ([16:22])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the chief priests and teachers of the law were more concerned about their power and public opinion than recognizing Jesus as the Messiah? ([05:03])
2. How does the woman's act of anointing Jesus contrast with the disciples' understanding of His worth? ([29:30])
3. In what ways does the story of the unnamed woman challenge our modern understanding of sacrificial giving and worship? ([17:33])
4. How do the personal testimonies shared in the sermon, like Dave's journey to sobriety, illustrate the transformative power of recognizing Jesus' worth? ([27:58])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the question posed in the sermon: "What is Jesus worth to you?" How do your daily actions and priorities reflect your answer? ([01:58])
2. The woman in Mark 14 gave a year's worth of wages to anoint Jesus. What is one significant sacrifice you can make to demonstrate your devotion to Jesus? ([15:24])
3. How can you shift your perspective on giving from "how much is enough" to "how much do I get to give"? What practical steps can you take to make this change? ([17:33])
4. Think about a time when you faced criticism for your faith or actions. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the unnamed woman's example of unwavering devotion? ([24:28])
5. Dave's story of overcoming alcoholism through faith shows the power of surrendering struggles to Jesus. What is one struggle you need to surrender to Jesus, and how can you start that process today? ([27:58])
6. The young boy's decision to be baptized after understanding the gospel highlights the importance of personal faith decisions. Have you made a public declaration of your faith? If not, what is holding you back? ([35:39])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of Jesus' worth in your life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to grow in your faith and devotion. ([29:30])

Devotional

Day 1: The Value of Jesus
The woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates that recognizing Jesus' worth leads to sacrificial giving. Her actions show that true worship involves giving our best to Jesus, not out of obligation but out of love and recognition of His glory. This act was not just a financial sacrifice but a complete surrender of her security and possessions to Jesus. It serves as a powerful reminder that when we see the glory of Jesus, our values and priorities change. The woman's devotion was a testament to her faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, despite the criticism she faced. [15:24]

Mark 14:3-4 (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. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, 'Why was the ointment wasted like that?'"

Reflection: Think of a possession or resource you hold dear. How can you offer it to Jesus as an act of worship and recognition of His worth today?

Day 2: Context of Sacrifice
Understanding the historical and cultural context of the Passover week helps us appreciate the significance of the woman's sacrifice. Amidst political and religious tensions, her act of devotion stands out as a profound statement of faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. The urgency felt by the chief priests and teachers of the law to arrest Jesus was more about maintaining their power and public opinion than recognizing the kingdom of God. In contrast, the woman's act of anointing Jesus was a bold declaration of her faith and understanding of His true worth. [06:00]

Mark 14:1-2 (ESV): "It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, 'Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced criticism for your faith. How can you stand firm in your devotion to Jesus, even when it goes against the cultural or societal norms?

Day 3: Transformation Through Faith
Personal testimonies, like Dave's journey to sobriety, illustrate how recognizing Jesus' worth can lead to life-changing transformations. When we place our trust in Jesus and surrender our struggles to Him, we experience His power and grace in profound ways. Dave's story of overcoming alcoholism through faith is a modern-day example of how Jesus' worth can transform lives. This transformation is not just about overcoming personal struggles but about experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers. [27:58]

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

Reflection: Identify a struggle or challenge you are currently facing. How can you surrender this to Jesus and trust in His transformative power today?

Day 4: The Challenge of Giving
The sermon challenges us to rethink our approach to giving. Instead of asking how much is enough, we should ask how much we get to give. This shift in perspective reveals our understanding that giving is an act of worship and a reflection of our recognition of Jesus' worth. The woman's act of breaking the alabaster jar was not just a financial sacrifice but a complete surrender of her security and possessions to Jesus. This was a powerful reminder that when we see the glory of Jesus, our values and priorities change. [17:33]

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving. How can you shift your perspective to see giving as an act of worship and a reflection of Jesus' worth in your life?

Day 5: Answering the Question
The central question, "What is Jesus worth to you?" requires a personal and honest answer. Our actions, sacrifices, and priorities should reflect our understanding of Jesus' value. This question is not just theoretical but demands a practical response in our daily lives. The woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume was a powerful demonstration of her understanding of His worth. It challenges us to consider how our actions, sacrifices, and priorities reflect our recognition of Jesus' value. [35:39]

Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV): "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and priorities. How do they reflect your understanding of Jesus' worth? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with your recognition of His value?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "What is Jesus worth? I mean, really, like, answer that question for yourself. What is Jesus actually worth for you? We're in week nine of this series, traveling through Mark's gospel. And today, we're going to read what might be a very familiar story to some of you. And for others of you, it will be a story you've never heard. But I think Mark is asking us this question in this text. He's wanting you and me to make sure we don't leave here today without answering that question for us. What is he worth?" [02:00] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "She sees the glory of Jesus, and it redefines what she values. You understand, don't you, that when you and I see the glory of Jesus, dollar signs, they begin to look differently. When we see the glory of Jesus, what we care about most is being a son or daughter of the King. When we see the glory of Jesus, here's what happens. Our number one concern is to try to reach, to reach as many people as possible with the hope of Jesus." [19:46] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Dave is answering the question that we all need to answer. Dave would tell you that his faith journey has led him to the place where he understands that Jesus is worth everything. He's worth everything, but the problem in this story is that the disciples, they're not yet at a place where they're ready to answer the question. They've seen the miracles. They've seen the signs. They've seen the crowds. They've seen it all. They've been with him for three. They've been with him for years, and they're struggling to answer the question, what is he actually worth?" [27:58] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "He was understanding that because of the good news of the gospel message, that Jesus is worth it all. He is worth everything. That there is nothing in this life. There's no possession. There's no amount of money. There's no amount of fame that is worth more than Jesus. Friday afternoon, he got into the baptistry, and as a sixth grader, he declared Jesus as his Lord and as his Savior. He made the decision. What about you? How will you answer the question, what is Jesus worth? Because that question requires an answer." [35:39] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Is he worth it for you? What's he worth? Let's pray, and let's gather around the table and celebrate communion. God, we know that you are worth it all. God, I pray that if we have not made that decision about what you mean and what's your worth in our life, God, we would declare it in faith. You are worth everything. That there is nothing in this life that would compare to you and all you've done for us." [38:00] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "She sees the glory of Jesus, and it redefines what she values. You understand, don't you, that when you and I see the glory of Jesus, dollar signs, they begin to look differently. When we see the glory of Jesus, what we care about most is being a son or daughter of the King. When we see the glory of Jesus, here's what happens. Our number one concern is to try to reach, to reach as many people as possible with the hope of Jesus. She sees the glory of Jesus, and boom, everything changes in her life." [19:46] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Notice what Mark is doing. In chapter 12, he's telling us a story about a woman who's giving it all. In chapter 14, he's telling us yet another story about a woman who's giving it all. And he's telling us a story about a woman who is giving it all. Mark is telling us about two unnamed women who are willing to do what the disciples are not even willing to do. And the painful thing about this story is that they see Jesus, but they're not ready to answer the question." [31:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "She recognizes that he is who he says he is. She recognizes that he is the Messiah. He is the one who has come from heaven to earth to rescue them, to save them, and redeem him. She knows who he is. What's interesting is that the word Messiah literally means anointed one. And so in this story, you have a woman, of all people, anointing the Messiah. She is literally anointing the anointed one, and everyone is thinking the same thing. Why in the world would you do this?" [29:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "She gets on her hands and knees, and she wipes her hair. She uses her hair to wipe his feet. She's saying, all that I have physically, everything that I am is yours. But add to that the fact that a woman's hair in the ancient world was unique, and the fact that a woman would not, in front of a group of men, unweave her hair to let her hair down. wouldn't have happened. You add to that the fact that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11-15, that a woman's hair is like her hair. Her hair is like her glory." [21:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "She sees the glory of Jesus, and it redefines what she values. You understand, don't you, that when you and I see the glory of Jesus, dollar signs, they begin to look differently. When we see the glory of Jesus. of the things that I think is very uncomfortable about this story, and one of the things that it would just be so easy for us just to skip over because it's uncomfortable, is the fact that she gave of her finances. And I understand, she didn't give a little bit. She gave all of it." [17:33] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

What Is Jesus Worth to You?

Summary

Study Guide

Devotional

Quotes

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What Is Jesus Worth to You?