Fill Me with Laughter

Lavish Love: The Power of Unconditional Giving

Bible Passage: John 12:1-8

Summary: In this passage, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, demonstrating her incredible love and devotion despite criticism, highlighting the beauty of unconditional love.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to reflect on their own loves and priorities, challenging them to show unconditional love in their relationships and to God, even in the face of societal expectations or criticism.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true love is sacrificial and extravagant. It emphasizes that our relationships, especially with God, should be marked by a willingness to give and serve selflessly, just as Mary did for Jesus.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ's impending sacrifice and serves as a foreshadowing of His ultimate act of unconditional love for humanity on the cross.

Big Idea: Unconditional love is often costly, yet it reflects the heart of God and has the power to transform lives and communities.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural practices surrounding anointing and the significance of Mary’s actions in contrast to the disciples' reactions. Using your Logos library, you can delve into commentaries on John 12 for insights into the historical context and theological implications of extravagant love, as well as looking into the symbolism of the perfume's value in relation to sacrifice in both Old and New Testament contexts.

1. Mary's Magnificent Gesture

John 12:1-3

You could begin by exploring the extravagant act of Mary as she anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume. This illustrates a profound act of love and humility. Perhaps use this as an opportunity to challenge the congregation to consider what it means to bring their best to Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of love and devotion. Highlight how Mary's actions can inspire us to show unconditional love that defies societal norms and expectations, reflecting Christ's love to others.

2. Judas's Jealous Judgement

John 12:4-6

Perhaps focus on Judas's reaction, which contrasts starkly with Mary’s devotion. Judas criticizes the act as wasteful, showcasing a lack of understanding of the love that transcends material value. Use this to encourage listeners to evaluate their own perspectives on generosity and care, urging them to see beyond economic costs and embrace the spirit of giving from the heart, indicative of Christ's sacrificial love.

3. Jesus' Justification of Love

John 12:7-8

You could conclude with Jesus' response, which not only defends Mary's action but also foreshadows His sacrificial death. This point may serve to remind the congregation that acts of love have deep spiritual significance and often align with God's greater purposes. Encourage them to see their acts of unconditional love as reflections of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing that such love can lead to transformation and spiritual renewal.

John 11:55–12:11 CEB

It was almost time for the Jewish Passover, and many people went from the countryside up to Jerusalem to purify themselves through ritual washing before the Passover. They were looking for Jesus. As they spoke to each other in the temple, they said, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he?” The chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where he was should report it, so they could arrest him. Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Lazarus and his sisters hosted a dinner for him. Martha served and Lazarus was among those who joined him at the table. Then Mary took an extraordinary amount, almost three-quarters of a pound, of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus’ feet with it, then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house was filled with the aroma of the perfume. Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained, “This perfume was worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would take what was in it.) Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. This perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. You will always have the poor among you, but you won’t always have me.” Many Jews learned that he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. The chief priests decided that they would kill Lazarus too. It was because of Lazarus that many of the Jews had deserted them and come to believe in Jesus.

The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Volume 4: Matthew–Acts John 11:55–12:11

In the midst of this harmonious gathering a sour note was suddenly struck: Judas issued a public complaint against Mary for her act, because the perfume was so expensive. Why should he complain? It was costing neither him nor the treasury of which he was the custodian anything. Mary had apparently saved the money and purchased the ointment for this specific purpose. Judas was suggesting that she should have sold it—or perhaps never bought it in the first place—and given the money to him for the common treasury. He was officious to say the least and probably had some decided opinions concerning where people should put their tithes and offerings.

The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Volume 4: Matthew–Acts John 11:55–12:11

it was very crude of Judas to bring up the matter of finance at that time—it was too late to change what Mary had done—and he might better have waited until later to voice his disapproval

The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Volume 4: Matthew–Acts John 11:55–12:11

his actions indicated that the man who would deliver Jesus to the high priest would not be a careless adventurer from the crowd, but one of the Twelve who had become associated with Him throughout His entire ministry. Mark’s Gospel says that Judas went immediately after this to the chief priests to negotiate the betrayal of Jesus, and they promised to pay him if he succeeded

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible John 12:2

Martha served—This, with what is afterwards said of Mary’s way of honoring her Lord, is so true to the character in which those two women appear in Lu 10:38–42, as to constitute one of the strongest and most delightful confirmations of the truth of both narratives.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible John 12:2

Lazarus … sat at the table—“Between the raised Lazarus and the healed leper (Simon, Mk 14:3), the Lord probably sits as between two trophies of His glory” [STIER].

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible John 12:3

anointed the feet of Jesus—and “poured it on His head” (Mt 26:7; Mk 14:3). The only use of this was to refresh and exhilarate—a grateful compliment in the East, amidst the closeness of a heated atmosphere, with many guests at a feast. Such was the form in which Mary’s love to Christ, at so much cost to herself, poured itself out.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible John 12:5

. three hundred pence—about $50.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible John 12:7

said Jesus, Let her alone, against the day of my burying hath she done this—not that she thought of His burial, much less reserved any of her nard to anoint her dead Lord. But as the time was so near at hand when that office would have to be performed, and she was not to have that privilege even after the spices were brought for the purpose (Mk 16:1), He lovingly regards it as done now.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible John 12:8

(2) Works of utility should never be set in opposition to the promptings of self-sacrificing love, and the sincerity of those who do so is to be suspected

Martha herself was taking great care with the service and was ministering to Christ with all her heart. Mary herself was seated at the feet of Jesus and kissing them.… Christ beholds them both with his divine eyes and is cheered and rejoices over the purity of their mode of life and the offering to him of their undefiled service. homily on the resurrection of lazarus.

Sermon Title:

Lavish Love: The Power of Unconditional Giving

Scripture Readings:

John 12:1-8 Psalm 126

Introduction: A House Filled with Fragrance

Six days before the Passover, in a humble home in Bethany, the air was filled with more than just the smells of supper. A sweet, pungent fragrance—a perfume made of pure nard—filled the house. It was an aroma that would cling to everyone who was there. And even today, it clings to the memory of the Church.

The lingering scent of perfume in Bethany signifies the profound impact of moments spent with Jesus. Just as the aroma stayed with them, our encounters with God should shape us. When others see us—what do they smell? Is it the fragrance of kindness, patience, and love? Or something less inviting? Our lives should radiate the essence of worship that we share in His presence.

We don’t know if that perfume had once been set aside for Lazarus when he died. It’s quite possible. Such ointments were commonly used in burial. But here’s the remarkable twist: Lazarus, who once lay in a tomb, now sat at the table with Jesus. The one who was dead is now alive, and in that space of resurrection and reunion, Mary opens her hands, and her heart, in an act of lavish, unconditional love.

And Jesus—on the very road to his own death—accepts this offering not as waste, but as worship.

1. Mary's Magnificent Gesture (John 12:1–3)

Mary's act is not ordinary. It is extravagant. Almost a full pound of imported perfume—pure nard—worth a year’s wages. It’s a gesture of deep devotion, of complete self-giving. She doesn't just pour a few drops on Jesus’ feet—she empties the whole jar. She lets down her hair—a scandalous thing for a woman to do in public—and wipes his feet.

In ancient times, people would visit a funerary banquet bringing gifts for the deceased; these gifts were often extravagant, symbolizing the depth of their love and respect. Mary’s act with the perfume mirrors these deep-rooted cultural expressions of devotion. It wasn’t just about the cost but about honoring someone profound in their life. Her willingness to sacrifice everything was a testament to her unwavering faith and love for Jesus, moving us to reflect on how we express our love in our lives today.

She offers something so precious, it might even have been intended for Lazarus’ own burial, yet here she is giving it to the living Christ. Perhaps she’s saying: "You gave life back to my brother. Let me honor you with my best, now."

Mary doesn’t care about appearances. She doesn’t care about cost. She’s in love with Jesus, the one who brings life out of death, joy out of sorrow. Like the people in Psalm 126 who declare, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy,” Mary acts out of overflowing gratitude.

In John's Gospel, Mary of Bethany takes a jar of pure nard, valued at a year's wages, an extravagant gift poured onto Jesus' feet. This act shocks the onlookers, just as a person in a crowded restaurant might surprise everyone by serenading their partner in a grand gesture of love. It teaches us that true love often expresses itself in bold, unexpected ways. Mary's outpouring of worship reminds us that when we truly cherish someone, we may act in ways that seem extravagant or even scandalous to others.

Her heart is full. So she gives fully.

2. Judas’s Jealous Judgment (John 12:4–6)

But not everyone is rejoicing. Judas speaks up—and what he says sounds reasonable: “That perfume could have been sold and given to the poor!” Who could argue with that?

Think of a billionaire who sees the world as a marketplace, where every relationship is transactional. As they build their wealth, they forget the plight of those struggling to make ends meet. This mirrors the dangers of greed—the more we possess, the less we share. Jesus taught us in Matthew 16:26, 'What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?' We must reflect on what we value most.

But John's Gospel doesn't let us sit with the surface. Judas isn’t interested in the poor. He's interested in the moneybag—and in control.

His words remind us how easy it is to disguise criticism as concern. And how often true love, real generosity, makes others uncomfortable.

Reflect on the image of an endless race, where billionaires run at breathtaking speeds to accumulate more. They seem to reach new heights, but at what cost? The track is lined with those left behind. This is reminiscent of 1 Timothy 6:10, which states, 'For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.' As we chase after worldly success, we must ask ourselves: are we running toward God, or are we lost in the pursuit of more?

Judas couldn’t see Mary’s gift for what it was—a holy offering. He only saw its price tag.

It’s worth asking: Are there moments when we, too, scoff at generosity because it makes us uneasy? Are there acts of love we’re tempted to diminish or explain away?

Mary’s gesture wasn’t practical—it was beautiful. It wasn’t efficient—it was extravagant. But love, real love, isn’t calculated. It’s costly.

3. Jesus’ Justification of Love (John 12:7–8)

Jesus steps in to defend Mary. He says, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.”

Whether or not Mary understood the full meaning of her act, Jesus did. He received her love as preparation—for what was to come: His own death, His own burial.

And in this moment, we see Jesus affirm that unconditional love is never wasted. It always fits within God’s greater plan.

“You’ll always have the poor with you,” Jesus says, “but you won’t always have me.” Not a dismissal of the poor, but a reminder that this moment matters. That the time to love is now. That sometimes, love can’t wait until the budget is balanced or the practicalities are sorted.

Sometimes, love needs to pour out—freely, beautifully, even riskily.

Psalm 126: From Tears to Joy

Psalm 126 offers a beautiful echo to this story. “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” It’s a psalm of restoration, a song of people who’ve known suffering and now walk into hope.

Mary may have wept at Lazarus’ tomb. But now, she anoints Jesus in joy and awe. And soon, the tears will come again—at another tomb, on another morning.

But through it all, God is working resurrection. God is planting seeds of joy in the soil of sacrifice.

Picture a farmer tending to his fields, his hands in the rich, dark soil, planting seeds that are no more than small grains. As he plants, he recalls the long days of toil and the pain of loss from last year’s drought. Yet, he persists, understanding the cycle of nature that through his tears of labor, he shall one day reap a harvest. Just like the psalmist assures, his sorrow will give way to joy when the fruits of his labor burst forth, providing sustenance and life, illustrating God's faithfulness through times of trial.

Conclusion: What Are We Willing to Pour Out?

This story calls us to reflect: What are we holding back? What jars of love, of service, of devotion, are we keeping sealed on the shelf?

Maybe it’s time to pour them out.

Maybe it’s time to let go of the cost, the criticisms, the fear of looking foolish—and offer God something beautiful.

Because when we love like Mary loved—lavishly, unconditionally, courageously—we reflect the very heart of Jesus. And that kind of love can fill a whole house. It can fill a whole church. It can change lives.

Big Idea:

Unconditional love is often costly, yet it reflects the heart of God and has the power to transform lives and communities.

Invitation:

As we come to the table today, let us remember that Christ held nothing back from us. He gave Himself fully. And like Mary, may we love in return—not with calculation, but with devotion. Not with caution, but with courage. Not with criticism, but with compassion.

Let the aroma of our love for Christ fill this place.

Amen.

Would you like a benediction, responsive reading, or Communion liturgy to go with this?

You said:

add a communion liturgy please

ChatGPT said:

Certainly, Pastor Jim. Here is a Communion Liturgy that aligns beautifully with your sermon, "Lavish Love: The Power of Unconditional Giving." It echoes the themes of Mary’s extravagant love and Christ’s self-giving, connecting the table in Bethany with the Table of the Lord.