Untitled Sermon

Lent 5 Year C 4.6.25

John 12:1–8 “Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.””

Extravagant Love: Worship That Costs Us

Bible Passage: John 12:1–8

Summary: The scene unfolds at a dinner in Bethany, where Mary, the sister of Lazarus, performs a bold act of worship by anointing Jesus' feet with very expensive perfume. This powerful gesture of love and devotion not only showcases her understanding of Jesus' significance but also serves as a striking contrast to Judas’ pragmatic yet self-serving perspective. The passage highlights the relational depth of worship and the often radical expressions of love toward Christ that challenge societal norms.

Application: This passage calls us to evaluate our own expressions of love and worship. Are we willing to give Jesus our best, even if it seems excessive to others? It can inspire believers to move beyond comfortable rituals and engage in genuine acts of devotion that may provoke misunderstanding from the world. It encourages reflection on the sacrifices we are willing to make in our worship and our daily lives for the sake of Christ.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that true worship often requires personal sacrifice and a willingness to defy societal expectations. It emphasizes that authentic love for Christ is expressed through actions that may seem extravagant or radical in the eyes of the world. The story illustrates how our investments in worship reflect our understanding of Jesus' love for us and His worthiness of our utmost honor.

How this passage could point to Christ: Mary’s act of anointing foreshadows Jesus' death and burial, establishing a connection between her love and His sacrificial mission. This event mirrors the greater narrative of the Bible, where acts of worship anticipate Jesus' sacrifice and the ultimate redemptive purpose of His life. It emphasizes how Jesus redefines worship as an expression of love that prepares us for His profound sacrifice.

Big Idea: In a culture that often values the mundane or the practical, worship that costs us significantly and challenges norms reflects a profound understanding of Jesus’ sacrificial love, demonstrating that extravagant love is never wasted in the presence of Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider researching the cultural implications of anointing in first-century Judea using Logos software. Dive into commentaries that discuss the significance of perfume as a symbol of value and how it relates to the theme of sacrifice. You might explore how the tension between Mary and Judas can serve as a lens for examining our own motivations in worship and how they may be challenged or affirmed by this passage.

1. Mary's Memorable Moment

John 12:1–3

Perhaps the first point could explore Mary's gesture of pouring out the expensive perfume on Jesus' feet, reflecting remarkably extravagant worship. You could emphasize that her act was both costly and personal, demonstrating her understanding of Jesus' immense worth. This invites listeners to evaluate their own expressions of love and devotion towards Jesus. Are we, like Mary, willing to break societal expectations and offer Jesus our best? Extravagant worship reveals the depth of our relationship with Christ and our comprehension of His sacrificial love.

2. Judas' Jarring Justification

John 12:4–6

In this second point, maybe highlight Judas’ pragmatic reasoning that appears sensible but is deeply flawed due to his ulterior motives. Judas contrasts Mary’s pure devotion with a self-centered attitude, emphasizing that not all concerns about practicality reflect true love and worship. This part of the passage suggests a reflection on our motivations and whether they genuinely honor Christ or serve personal interests. By examining Judas' perspective, believers can discern and challenge any self-serving inclinations in their approach to God.

3. Jesus' Justified Justice

John 12:7–8

This third point could illustrate Jesus' defense of Mary's actions. Perhaps focus on how Jesus' response confirms that extravagant acts of worship are valid and fitting when directed at Him, highlighting His divine authority and the anticipation of His sacrificial mission. Jesus acknowledges Mary's actions as preparation for His burial, suggesting that true, costly devotion aligns with His redemptive work. This insight encourages believers to confidently pursue acts of worship that may challenge worldly norms, knowing they honor Christ’s mission.