While We Still Have Time [Mark 14:3-9]

INTRODUCTION

How many of us at one time or another have told someone, “I don’t have time for that?” “Don’t waste my time” or any thing like that? During this pandemic season, and yes we are still in a pandemic, I wonder if there is anyone like me who many times lost track of the time, binge watching shows, moved thru the week not knowing what day it was and sometimes going thru the day, without anything productive to show for it at the end of the day?

Yes, I suspect it hasn’t been easy trying to be mindful of time and how we spend it; especially when you are mostly confined to the walls within your own home!

Well I’m here to tell you that we ought to think about the words of the hymnwriter who wrote, “Time is filled with swift transition, None, on earth unmoved can stand Build your hopes on things eternal--hold, hold onto God's unchanging hand!!! WHAT WE DO WITH OUR TIME MATTERS!!!

And I believe Jesus is speaking to us today to let us know that time is of the essence! While we still have time, we need to be prepared to meet Jesus! While we still have time, we should not let anyone stop us from worshiping Jesus; and with all of that--we need to bring our all to the Master!!!

And I have just a few points:

1) We need to be prepared to meet Jesus!

For our bible readers, this woman in the text was no stranger. Scholars say that she was Mary; sister of Martha and Lazarus! Jesus was in the town of Bethany, where He raised Lazarus from the dead! And we also know that Mary chose --the right thing, and sat at the feet of Jesus learning from Him!!! So Mary was prepared for her meeting with Jesus! This woman was on a mission! She was so determined to meet her Lord; she came with her most expensive perfume of the time and willing to use it on Jesus!!! We have a hard time just paying our tithes! We have a hard time giving unto others--but not this woman!!! While she still had time, Mary sought out Jesus; she took a chance as a woman, and entered Simon’s house as an uninvited guest to do what she had to do!!!

And I want us to consider: Are we prepared to meet Jesus today? Right in the here and now are we ready to meet our Lord? Jesus is the only way to the Father, so how would you sum up your relationship with Him!

Honestly brothers and sisters, if you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, I would say you are far away from being prepared to meet the Master!!! But be encouraged my friends, I say don’t throw in the towel, because of Jesus-you can remedy that situation!!! Because of Jesus you don’t need me to get ready!!! The bible says in Romans 10:9, “If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, then you will be saved!!! Am I talking to someone out there? We’ve got to be ready and prepared to meet Jesus!!

If you’re sharing some sort of relationship with God, are you living according to His Word? Are you carrying out the Great Commisison, are you loving Him with all your heart, all your mind and all of your soul? Are you loving the ones you live with, your neighbor the one in front of you or behind you, the one to the left or right of you? While we still have time, are you prepared to meet Jesus?

While we still have time,

2) Are you giving your best to the Master?

Here in verses 3-5 of the text, Mary came into the house, and she didn’t come empty handed!!! Mary came into Simon the Leper’s house as Jesus reclined and sat at the table and she poured the expensive perfume-nard/oil, on Jesus’ head and His feet!

And what I find so amusing is that in every version of this story in the Gospels, the apostles paid more attention to perfume than the person who was on the receiving end of the gift! In fact, they were more focused perceiving her act as waste, than seeing the blessing that Mary sought to bestow on Jesus!

I find myself coming to these questions: How much do we love Jesus? How much is our love worth? Can you put a dollar amount on the love you have for Jesus? Do you base it on the amount of money or time you spend in the church? Or do you base on the number of commandments you keep?

When we worship the Lord, does He just get just your “head,” or does Jesus get your heart, mind, body, and soul?

Mary’s perfume was worth a whole years’ salary! In those times, the act of anointing one’s head and feet was an offering and a sign of submission and devotion!!! She showed her love for Jesus while He was still alive!! It was an expensive offering that she gave to the Lord! Mary gave lavishly and lovingly!!!

She was not ashamed to show her love for Christ openly. Her expensive perfume had a fragrance that filled the place! Mary expressed her love to Jesus because He was going to the cross to die for her!! She prepared His body for burial as she anointed His head and His feet. Mary gave her all to the Master! While she still had time!!!

I wonder Saints! I wonder if we are indeed willing to give our all to the Master--While we still have time!!! Mary offered expensive perfume and didn’t think twice about anointing the Master! And so I want to know, what are you willing to do for Jesus? When was the last time you offered the thing you loved the most to Him? What are you willing to offer to Jesus, because He is looking for us to give our best too!!! The bible tells us whatever we do, do it was unto the Lord!!! And in view of God’s mercy, we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him as a spiritual act of worship? Even more, Jesus wants your heart!!! Have you given your best to the Master?

--WHILE WE STILL HAVE TIME, Saints,

3) Don’t let anyone or anything keep you from worshipping the Lord

The Fragrance of Genuine Worship

Bible Passage: Mk 14:3–9

Summary: In this passage, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, demonstrating an extravagant act of love and devotion, contrasting with the judgment of those around her.

Application: This passage encourages believers to evaluate their own expressions of worship. In a world that often measures value by material standards, we are reminded to embrace worship that honors God and prioritizes our relationship with Him over societal expectations.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true worship is marked by sacrifice and devotion, inviting Christians to reflect on what they offer to Christ in their lives. It emphasizes that acts of worship should come from the heart, regardless of external opinions.

How this passage could point to Christ: This account illustrates a glimpse of Christ's worthiness, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice He would make on the cross. The woman's act of anointing Him can be seen as a recognition of His impending death and its significance, revealing Christ as prophet, priest, and King who is worthy of our best.

Big Idea: Genuine worship is characterized by sacrificial love and reflects our understanding of Christ's significance in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider examining the cultural background of anointing practices in the first century which can be found in Logos. Look into relevant Old Testament passages (such as the anointing of kings) that deepen the understanding of this act. Additionally, explore commentaries that address the contrasting reactions of the disciples to the woman's devotion, which may shed light on common obstacles to authentic worship.

1. Extravagant Sacrifice Demonstrated

Mk 14:3–5

You could begin by examining how the woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume was a display of extravagant sacrifice. This act challenges believers to consider what valuable aspects of their lives they hold back from God. Her willingness to give what was precious to her mirrors the costly sacrifice of Christ, prompting us to evaluate our priorities and love for Him beyond societal norms.

2. Essentially Christ-Centered

Mk 14:6–7

Perhaps focus on Jesus' defense of the woman's actions, highlighting the nature of true worship. While others saw waste, Jesus saw worship. This part reminds us that authentic worship is not confined by others' judgments but is a personal expression of devotion to Christ. It encourages believers to focus on pleasing Christ rather than people, acknowledging His presence as paramount above all else.

3. Eternal Insights into Worship

Mk 14:8–9

Maybe conclude by reflecting on Jesus' acknowledgment of the woman's insight into His impending death and its significance. Her act of anointing signified recognition of Jesus' redemptive path, inspiring believers to live in light of the gospel. Recognizing Christ's worth and sacrifice calls us to genuine worship that transcends cultural expectations, encouraging lives that testify to His significance.

The Cost of True Devotion

Bible Passage: Mk 14:3–9

Summary: This passage narrates the profound moment when a woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume as a prophetic act of love, subtly stirring controversy among witnesses. It underscores the tension between sacred devotion and the mundane concerns of financial prudence, revealing differing perspectives on what it means to honor Christ with our best.

Application: This scripture speaks powerfully to those struggling with prioritizing their relationship with God over material concerns. It encourages Christians to embrace radical generosity and commitment to Christ, reminding them that genuine worship often comes with the risk of judgment from others. It challenges believers to consider the cost of their devotion and to give freely in response to Christ's love.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the essence of true devotion lies in our willingness to give freely and sacrificially to Jesus. It highlights the importance of recognizing Christ’s worth, which often calls for an abandonment of societal norms regarding wealth, practicality, and worship. This passage invites believers to a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader biblical context, this act of anointing foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It symbolizes the anointing of the Messiah, affirming Jesus's identity and mission. This moment serves as a reminder that Christ's path to salvation was paved with sacrificial love, encouraging believers to respond with similar devotion in their lives.

Big Idea: True devotion to Christ is evidenced by sacrificial acts of love that honor His mission and identity, regardless of societal expectations.

Recommended Study: As you delve into this passage, consider exploring the implications of wealth and stewardship in worship. Utilize Logos to compare this anointing with other anointing stories and their theological significance. Looking into the historical context regarding the value of the perfume and its implications for the woman’s act of devotion could provide deeper insight into the cost of her worship.

1. Costly Worship's Challenge

Mk 14:3-5

You could emphasize the contrast between the woman's extravagant act of worship and the disciples' practical objections, challenging believers to examine their own hearts. In this part of the passage, Jesus' value surpasses any material wealth, suggesting that our devotion should reflect our perception of His worth. As the disciples focus on the cost, perhaps we see ourselves in them, often distracted by worldly concerns instead of truly honoring Christ with the best we have.

2. Christ's Affirming Words

Mk 14:6-7

Perhaps, you might highlight Jesus' defense of the woman's actions as He affirms the goodness of her deed. Here, believers are reminded that acts of devotion are seen and valued by Christ, even when they are misunderstood or criticized by others. It encourages Christians to pursue acts of worship that reflect their personal relationship with Jesus, knowing that such devotion is precious to Him.

3. Legacy of Love

Mk 14:8-9

Maybe, focus on Jesus' prophecy about the woman's act being remembered. This part underlines the enduring impact of genuine worship and devotion to Christ. It challenges believers to consider what legacy their acts of devotion will leave behind. This also ties into Christ's mission, as the anointing prefigures His burial, reminding the congregation of His ultimate sacrifice and calling them to respond with sacrificial love.

Saints, the Bible says, that Jesus’ own disciples, couldn’t see the opportunity Mary took to worship the Lord!!! Mary understood, Mary was listening to Jesus and she realized that she had to do what she did-in the time that she, had because Jesus was going to die for her!!! So, Instead of joining in to worship Jesus, the one they had followed around for all that time, they decided to judge, disparage, discourage and criticize! What Mary did as worship--the apostles saw it as a waste!!!

Jesus said she did a beautiful thing!!

Oh, I say, be wary of that friend, who always criticizes and tries to talk you out of worship and service to the Lord!!! We all have that unsaved family member or friend who questions why you want go to church? Why are you spending your money on tithes when you got bills to pay? Then there’s those who will tell you that you’ve got plenty of time to go to church next week-let’s go to brunch, let’s catch that day party? Know that people will try to discourage us from glorifying the Lord!

But while we still have time, think about getting your priorities in order!!! We don’t know know the day or the hour Jesus will return, and the time is now to worship Him!!! The essence of worshiping Jesus is to regard Him with the utmost love, respect, and devotion--that means putting Him in that special place in your hearts and to be willing to sacrifice to Him your most precious thing!!!

No matter what others may say about our worship and service, the most important thing is that we please the Lord!! Mary did what she could, in the time that she had!

I wonder if we’ve done all that we could in the time that we have!!! Have we stood our ground to stand with Jesus or have we crumbled under the pressure of the world!! The fact that others may misunderstand and criticize us should not keep us from showing our love to Jesus!! Our concern should be His approval alone!

When Mary gave her best in faith and love; she did it while she still had time!! And if she wasn’t prepared, she would have been stopped, but because she was prepared, she COULDN’T BE STOPPED!!! WHILE SHE STILL HAD TIME SHE DIDN’T LET ANYONE STOP HER FROM WORSHIPING JESUS!!!

SO BROTHERS AND SISTERS, ---WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THE TIME YOU HAVE LEFT??

ARE YOU PREPARED TO MEET JESUS! BIBLE SAYS WE OUGHT TO WORK WHILE STILL DAY, BECAUSE WHEN NIGHT COMES--NO ONE CAN WORK!!! ARE YOU GIVING YOUR ALL THE MASTER??!! DOES THE LORD GET YOUR TIME, ATTENTION, YOUR RESOURCES, YOUR WORSHIP, AND YOUR PRAISE!!!

AND DON’T LET ANYONE OR ANYTHING GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR WORSHIP AND YOUR PRAISE!!! WHEN THE PRAISES GO UP, THE BLESSINGS COME DOWN!!! AND BECAUSE MARY DID WHAT SHE WHAT SHE COULD-WHEN SHE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY, WHAT SHE DID IS REMEMBERED UNTIL THIS VERY DAY!!!

SO WHILE YOU STILL HAVE TIME, GIVE YOUR BEST TO THE MASTER, GIVE JESUS FIRST PLACE IN YOUR HEART! GIVE YOUR BEST TO THE MASTER, CONSECRATE EVERY PART! COME TO JESUS—WHILE YOU STILL HAVE TIME, PRAISE HIM-WHILE YOU STILL HAVE TIME!!! WORSHIP HIM-WHILE YOU STILL HAVE TIME!!!