Mary: Lavish Love (Mark 14:3-9)

June 13, 2010

I.     Don't be sidetracked by opposition, vv. 3-5.
A.     Putting the story in perspective.
     1.     Recorded also in Matthew 26 and John 12.
     2.     Probably happened before entering Jerusalem on Sunday.
     3.     Mark set up a contrast: Mary's love and Judas' betrayal.
B.     The disciples complained about Mary's waste of money.
     1.     John (12:1-8) gives more details of the story.
     2.     The disciples ignored the beauty of Mary's gift.
          a.     Judas' sin blinded him to Mary's heart.
          b.     Judas' wrong attitude affected the others.
C.     Be careful not to let wrong attitudes influence commitment.
     1.     Opposition can come from people we trust.
     2.     Genuine love focuses on God.
          a.     Our greatest concern is to please God.
          b.     We have to set a priority of God before anyone else.
     3.     Why love God this way? It puts life in perspective!

II.     Regardless of the circumstances give God your best, vv. 6-9.
     A.     Mary's gift cost a lot.
          1.     The oil of nard was valued at about one year's wages.
          2.     Mary's sacrifice reflected the depth of her love.
     B.     What did Jesus have to say about Mary's actions?
          1.     She did it in order to please Him, v. 6.
          2.     She made the most of a limited opportunity, v. 7.
          3.     She performed a valuable service, v. 8.
               a.     Anointed Jesus' body for burial beforehand.
b.     She was so sensitive to God's leading that she did this without realizing all that it meant.
          4.     She would always be remembered for her love.
     C.     What should we take from the story?
          1.     Show your love of God as opportunities arise.
          2.     Let actions come from your heart: give your best.
          3.     Follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Personal Challenges
1.     Show God how much you love Him.
     a.     Set aside time to read Mark 14:3-9 without any interruption.
     b.     Brainstorm ways you can show your love to God.
1)     Choose four things from our list.
2)     Do one thing each week for the next 4 weeks.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?