Reckless Worship
Mark, Part 6 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 40:47
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· 379 viewsNothing given to Christ in worship is ever wasted.
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I can’t tell you enough how much fun I had with a small group of our students this past weekend.
to live? How would you spend your last few days? What
For most of us, I imagine that we would spend that week with the family and friends who were closest to us. We would make sure there was nothing unsaid, and that all preparations were in place for our departure from this life.
We are beginning a new series this week that will carry us through our Easter celebration.
would be important, and what would you ignore.
Introduction
We went to the Valley Student Conference in Roanoke, and personally, it was incredible.
• I spent some time yesterday cleaning windows in our
It is an attempt to look at some of the key events that marked the end of Jesus' life. You see, He knew He was headed to Jerusalem and about to die. He knew that the time was coming for Him to offer His life as a sacrifice for sin.
• What would you do if you knew you only had one week
house...think you would do that with your last week?
to live? How would you spend your last few days? What
We won't have time to look at everything that the Bible tells us He did that week, because He accomplished more in those days than many of us accomplish in a lifetime.
It was really loud in there. The music was well done, there were lights, and there was smoke.
We will, however, see some of the events that He was a part of, getting ready for the day He would hang on the cross and die in our place.
• There was a popular country song a few years back
would be important, and what would you ignore.
It was definitely different than what we typically have on a Sunday morning.
• I spent some time yesterday cleaning windows in our
called, "Live like you were dying." In it, a man discovers
This morning, I want you to turn to a beautiful picture we find in . Although Matthew and Mark seem to relate this same story, John gives us a little more detail than the rest, and he paints for us a picture of an incredibly moving and touching scene.
You know what, though? In that room, I saw hundreds of teenagers and adults giving God honor and glory through worship in a beautiful way.
It shouldn’t surprise you, but on more than one occasion, I was moved to tears by the power of the worship in that room.
You know, though, I have had some incredible worship times without all that.
Several friends of mine sang really well, and I remember standing on one of our friends’ back porch one night singing hymns with no instruments in the dark.
It was a great time of worship.
I have had the privilege of worshiping with voices and a drum and dancing in a school room in Zimbabwe that was lit only with a solar lantern.
I have worshiped as I listened to a man with Downs Syndrome play a church organ in a beautiful, simple way.
On each of those occasions,
Because this morning, we are going to look at an act of true worship.
I want you to see this morning that true worship has nothing to do with the instruments or how new or old our songs may be.
True worship is a reckless expression of the heart towards the God who changes everything.
Let’s set the stage.
Open with me to .
The events Mark has been recording are building to the most amazing weekend in history, and we are just a few days away.
The first two verses tell us that the Jewish leaders were actively planning on arresting Jesus and looking for the best time to do it.
After introducing that thought, Mark is going to insert a story that actually happened a few days prior.
This is something that Hebrew writers do pretty commonly. He is more concerned with the contrast he is going to make than that timeline of the events.
He essentially pushes pause, grabs a flashback, and then switches back to the main storyline.
The interruption starts in verse 3...
he has cancer and starts living life to the fullest. He
house...think you would do that with your last week?
In , we find out a few additional details. He tells us that this event took place a few days before where Mark pressed pause.
We already knew that Jesus had been going back and forth to a little village called Bethany, teaching in Jerusalem during the day and staying in Bethany in the evening.
goes on adventures he had always wanted to do,
Bethany is where Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, live. You may remember that Lazarus is the man Jesus raised from the dead. Mary and Martha were close friends of Jesus, and he had been in their house before.
• There was a popular country song a few years back
They appear to be at a friend name Simon’s house, although Mary is still involved in serving the meal.
During the course of the evening, Mary does something completely unexpected.
In fact, it was not only unexpected, it was also
called, "Live like you were dying." In it, a man discovers
What happens next, to me, is one of the most beautiful scenes in all of Scripture.
spends time making amends, even mentions that he
takes time to read the Bible some.
Before I ruin it, let's read what Mark says (verses 3-9)...
he has cancer and starts living life to the fullest. He
Although Mark doesn’t name the woman, John tells us that it was Mary.
goes on adventures he had always wanted to do,
• What would you do if you knew you had one week to
What we find here is Jesus receiving Mary as she comes to Him with a heart of true worship.
spends time making amends, even mentions that he
live?
We can learn a lot from Mary this morning. I hope through her example, you will see a beautiful picture of true worship.
• For most of us, I imagine that we would spend that
If we're going to understand the picture we are looking at, though, we need to first understand what worship is.
takes time to read the Bible some.
week with the family and friends who were closest to
So often, we think of worship in this small box...it is what we do on Sunday mornings, specifically when we sing.
• What would you do if you knew you had one week to
Instead, we find that worship is much, much more than that. In fact, the only way that Sunday mornings will be true services of worship is when we worship throughout the week.
live?
us. We would make sure there was nothing unsaid, and
that all preparations were in place for our departure
Here are several definitions that have been proposed as to the nature of worship:
• For most of us, I imagine that we would spend that
week with the family and friends who were closest to
The true, the genuine worship is when man, through his spirit, attains to friendship and intimacy with God. True and genuine worship is not to come to a certain place; it is not to go through a certain ritual or liturgy; it is not even to bring certain gifts. True worship is when the spirit, the immortal and invisible part of man, speaks to and meets with God, who is immortal and invisible. (William Barclay)
from this life.
Worship is the believer’s response to all they are – mind, emotions, will, body – to what God is and says and does. (Warren Wiersbe)
• We are beginning a new series this week that will carry
us. We would make sure there was nothing unsaid, and
Worship is what we were created for. This is the final end of all existence-the worship of God. God created the universe so that it would display the worth of His glory. And He created us so that we would see this glory and reflect it by knowing and loving it-with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. (John Piper)
us through our Easter celebration.
that all preparations were in place for our departure
• It is an attempt to look at some of the key events that
That is what we find in Mary's life this morning. She wasn't in church, and she didn't sing a note, yet it would be hard to argue that she didn't worship that night.
from this life.
• We are beginning a new series this week that will carry
marked the end of Jesus' life. You see, He knew He
Let's learn this morning from her example about the nature of true worship. The first reality we find is...
1. True Worship Is Costly.
1. True Worship Is Costly.
was headed to Jerusalem and about to die. He knew
us through our Easter celebration.
As Mary comes and pours her oil out as an act of worship, she is giving up an incredible treasure.
that the time was coming for Him to offer His life as a
• It is an attempt to look at some of the key events that
marked the end of Jesus' life. You see, He knew He
The disciples later estimate this at 300 denarii. Remember that a denarius is a day's wage for most workers, so this would have been almost a year's worth of income.
sacrifice for sin.
was headed to Jerusalem and about to die. He knew
• We won't have time to look at everything that the Bible
For her, it is possible that this was her life's savings!
that the time was coming for Him to offer His life as a
Have you ever heard of a woman named Darlene Zschech? She wrote "Shout to The Lord" and a bunch of other great worship songs.
tells us He did that week, because He accomplished
In her book, titled Extravagant Worship, she says this about worship:
sacrifice for sin.
more in those days than many of us accomplish in a
• We won't have time to look at everything that the Bible
We’re to be overgenerous in our praises to God. Extravagant worship means to be elaborate in our offering of admiration to Him; our worship is to be over and above reasonable limits previously established...What makes worship extravagant? It must cost us something. Worship is an act of obedient faith, even when circumstances offer opportunities to fear. (Darlene Zschech, Extravagant Worship)
lifetime.
That's exactly what we see here. Mary gave something incredibly precious to show her love for her Savior; the One who had the power of life and death and raised her brother from the dead.
!1
tells us He did that week, because He accomplished more in those days than many of us accomplish in a lifetime.
This parallels what we find David saying in . He had been a fool, and pride led him to take a census of the people. When he did, God sent a plague throughout the land, killing seventy thousand men. The prophet Gad tells David where he is to go build and altar and sacrifice, and when the man offers that place to David, he responds:
• We will, however, see some of the events that He was a
more in those days than many of us accomplish in a lifetime.
The king answered Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for twenty ounces of silver.
He built an altar to the Lord there and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord was receptive to prayer for the land, and the plague on Israel ended.
lifetime.
part of, getting ready for the day He would hang on the
However, the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Thus the Lord was moved by prayer for the land, and the plague was held back from Israel. (, NASB)
David realized that genuine worship is costly.
David realized that genuine worship is costly.
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cross and die in our place.
David realized that genuine worship is costly.
• We will, however, see some of the events that He was a part of, getting ready for the day He would hang on the cross and die in our place.
• This morning, I want you to turn to a beautiful picture
Notice that Mary's worship cost more than just her money. It also cost her reputation. Look at how the disciples respond in verses 4-5…
Think about what was going on here. John goes on to tell us that not only did she anoint Jesus’ head with the oil, she also wiped his feet with her hair. People's feet during this time would have been absolutely disgusting, and she uses her own hair to wipe them clean.
part of, getting ready for the day He would hang on the
we find in . Although Matthew and Mark seem
That would be utterly humiliating as it was an act that implied complete submission to the person being anointed.
to relate this same story, John gives us a little more
cross and die in our place.
Not only that, but in that culture, she really didn’t have any business touching Jesus since they weren’t married.
detail than the rest, and he paints for us a picture of an
• This morning, I want you to turn to a beautiful picture we find in . Although Matthew and Mark seem to relate this same story, John gives us a little more detail than the rest, and he paints for us a picture of an
So what does worship cost us? Sometimes, like Mary, our worship may be expressed by giving financially.
we find in . Although Matthew and Mark seem
Other times, it may be that as you life a life that gives honor and glory to God, your friends and family think you are a fool. When you have to tell the guys you can't go fishing with them this Sunday or can't come over that night because you have something at church, they may make fun of you, and you may find yourself on the outs.
incredibly moving and touching scene.
to relate this same story, John gives us a little more
Is it worth the cost to you? Are you willing to humiliate yourself to show just how incredible God is and has been to you?
We find Jesus at a house with some very dear friends.
By the way, I'm not talking about intentionally making a fool of yourself. I am talking about not being afraid to respond in whatever way God directs whenever He leads.
He is in Bethany, where Lazarus and his two sisters,
detail than the rest, and he paints for us a picture of an
Maybe you need to be more open to give Him honor at work. Maybe you need to stop being ashamed to talk with your kids about what God is teaching you. Maybe you need to be willing to raise your hands when we sing, or just sit down and process.
incredibly moving and touching scene.
Mary and Martha, live. They are a stone's throw away
Stop being so concerned about what others think; focus on the one who is worth it all.
• We find Jesus at a house with some very dear friends. He is in Bethany, where Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, live. They are a stone's throw away from Jerusalem, and they get together a group of people to celebrate Jesus' arrival there.
from Jerusalem, and they get together a group of
He is in Bethany, where Lazarus and his two sisters,
With that being said, worship doesn't happen in a vacuum. When you are worshiping the Lord in a genuine way personally, it will...
people to celebrate Jesus' arrival there.
Mary and Martha, live. They are a stone's throw away
2. True Worship Impacts Others.
2. True Worship Impacts Others.
• What happens next, to me, is one of the most beautiful
from Jerusalem, and they get together a group of
scenes in all of Scripture.
Have you ever been somewhere when a bottle of perfume gets broken open?
I remember being on a youth trip one time, and about halfway to our destination, a girl broke some Bath and Body Works scented body spray, and it spilled all over the van.
It didn’t take long for the smell to overpower that van and for everyone to know what had happened.
Wouldn’t the same thing have happened when Mary poured out her perfume?
people to celebrate Jesus' arrival there.
In this moment, Mary's act of worship touches every person there.
• Before I ruin it, let's just read how John has put it...
(read vv1-8)
Can you imagine the reactions of those in the room?
• What happens next, to me, is one of the most beautiful scenes in all of Scripture.
You have a crowd of hot, sweaty people who didn't use deodorant, and suddenly, the room is filled with the aroma of a beautiful perfume.
scenes in all of Scripture.
• What we find here is Jesus receiving Mary as she
It would surely have made an impression.
comes to Him with a heart of true worship.
• Before I ruin it, let's just read how John has put it...(read vv1-8)
• We can learn a lot from Mary this morning. I hope
(read vv1-8)
They say that scent is the strongest sense tied to memory, and that may be true. Many of you can remember to this day the smell of your daddy's aftershave or your wife's favorite perfume.
What we find here is Jesus receiving Mary as she comes to Him with a heart of true worship.
through her example, you will see a beautiful picture of
You wonder if John isn't taken back to that time as he remembers. "Over the smell of the food, over the sweat and the grime, there was this beautiful aroma that came wafting across the house."
true worship.
Can you imagine what happened after this? The hushed silence broken only by the sobs of this woman, where all of a sudden, those who had grown too familiar with Jesus suddenly remember who He really is--He's not just another rabbi, He is someone worthy of worship.
comes to Him with a heart of true worship.
We can learn a lot from Mary this morning. I hope through her example, you will see a beautiful picture of true worship.
• If we're going to understand the picture we are looking
When we live lives that are characterized by reckless abandon in worship, we cannot help but impact the lives around us.
Notice that not everyone was comfortable with this.
through her example, you will see a beautiful picture of
at, though, we need to first understand what worship is.
• So often, we think of worship in this small box...it is
Mark points out that, even after all this time, the disciples still don’t get it.
true worship.
They are indignant with her seeming waste, highlighting that it could have been sold and given to the poor.
Part of the festivals they were about to observe involved giving alms to the poor, so they saw this as out of place, poorly timed, and unnecessary.
what we do on Sunday mornings, specifically when we
One interesting thing that happens as we magnify Christ is that we offend others.
If we're going to understand the picture we are looking at, though, we need to first understand what worship is.
at, though, we need to first understand what worship is.
As we point to the One who can save us from our sins, it reminds others that they have sin in their lives.
sing.
So often, we think of worship in this small box...it is
• So often, we think of worship in this small box...it is
• Instead, we find that worship is much, much more than
When someone is living a life of reckless abandon before God, they may seem like a nut or a fanatic to others, making them uncomfortable because they would rather play it safe.
Are you scared to lose friends because of what God is calling you to do and be? Are you so concerned about what others think that you won't be willing to be open, honest, and transparent before the God who made you?
that. In fact, the only way that Sunday mornings will be
what we do on Sunday mornings, specifically when we
Would you rather give up the ability to give honor to the God who is worthy of it so you don't lose face in front of others?
sing.
true services of worship is when we worship throughout
the week.
• Instead, we find that worship is much, much more than
We need to be a body of people who worship! We need to worship in our words, in our actions, in our attitudes, in our reactions. We need to worship by working hard at our jobs and loving our spouses when they are unlovely. We need to worship when things go wrong, and we need to worship the God who allows things to go right! We need to celebrate when God blesses, and repent when He disciplines.
that. In fact, the only way that Sunday mornings will be
and we need to worship the God who allows things to go right! We need to celebrate when God blesses, and repent when He disciplines.
• Here are several definitions that have been proposed
as to the nature of worship:
true services of worship is when we worship throughout
If we do, we will see the world around us impacted in ways we cannot imagine.
• The true, the genuine worship is when man, through
the week.
Could we fill this house with the fragrance of hearts that are sold out and abandoned for Him? Could we fill Christiansburg with hearts that recklessly exalt Him without fear of failure or loss?
• Here are several definitions that have been proposed
his spirit, attains to friendship and intimacy with
What is keeping us from that?
God. True and genuine worship is not to come to a
Perhaps it is that we forget who we are worshipping...
as to the nature of worship:
• The true, the genuine worship is when man, through
3. True Worship Is Christ-Centered.
3. True Worship Is Christ-Centered.
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his spirit, attains to friendship and intimacy with
certain place; it is not to go through a certain ritual
You see, everyone worships something. Some of us worship our jobs, our positions, and our stuff. Some worship serving others. Some worship our kids or our spouses.
or liturgy; it is not even to bring certain gifts. True
God. True and genuine worship is not to come to a
Yet Mary got it right. Isn't it interesting that she has from the beginning? Remember when we find her sitting at Jesus' feet?
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She learned from Him, and she got to know Him better, her love for Him grew into the expression we have looked at this morning.
worship is when the spirit, the immortal and invisible
certain place; it is not to go through a certain ritual
In case you're having a hard time remembering who Jesus is, here are a couple of passages to remind you:
part of man, speaks to and meets with God, who is
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth—
and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ( NASB)
or liturgy; it is not even to bring certain gifts. True
immortal and invisible. (William Barclay)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
He is the same God who parted the Red Sea, closed the mouths of the lions in the den with Daniel, and is one day coming again to set right all that is wrong with this world!
• Worship is the believer’s response to all they are –
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. ( NASB)
worship is when the spirit, the immortal and invisible
Beyond all that, though, is what Jesus was about to do: He was only days away from taking on the sin of the world as he died in our place and then rising from the dead to show that God had victory over sin and death!
The God who created it all is the same God who died in your place! He is the same God who forgives and loves and corrects and causes all things to work together for our good!
part of man, speaks to and meets with God, who is
mind, emotions, will, body – to what God is and says
Philippians said that Jesus’ sacrifice puts his name above every name.
immortal and invisible. (William Barclay)
and does. (Warren Wiersbe)
He is the same God who parted the Red Sea, closed the mouths of the lions in the den with Daniel, and is one day coming again to set right all that is wrong with this world!
No athlete, no celebrity, no person, no activity, could ever compare!
• Worship is the believer’s response to all they are –
• Worship is what we were created for. This is the
Colossians said that Jesus’ death and resurrection began the process of reconciling all of creation, offering peace through his blood that was shed on the cross.
mind, emotions, will, body – to what God is and says
final end of all existence-the worship of God. God
Jesus really is the name above every name, and one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father!
Colossians said that Jesus’ death and resurrection began the process of reconciling all of creation, offering peace through his blood that was shed on the cross.
In fact, Mark points out that Mary’s sacrifice was foreshadowing what was to come. Look at verse 8.
and does. (Warren Wiersbe)
Conclusion
created the universe so that it would display the
Are you ready to worship this morning?
worth of His glory. And He created us so that we
• Worship is what we were created for. This is the
Mary came with reckless abandon, giving everything she had as an act of worship to the God who would actually buy her salvation in a matter of days.
would see this glory and reflect it by knowing and
final end of all existence-the worship of God. God
You see, there are times when we preach about something and you have to wait to apply it. Why not apply this now?!
This woman was willing to sacrifice everything, not even fully knowing what was to come.
loving it-with all our heart and soul and mind and
created the universe so that it would display the
I have asked Brenda Crawford to come and sing an incredibly special song this morning.
That’s what makes the next two verses so chilling.
worth of His glory. And He created us so that we
strength. (John Piper)
It is a song that she has sung before, and it tells this story from Mary's perspective. It expresses her heart to worship, and I hope that it expresses yours today.
Read verses 10-11.
would see this glory and reflect it by knowing and
Take some time to worship there as you feel lead. If you want to raise your hands, pray, kneel, cry, or even shout, I invite you to respond as God leads.
• That is what we find in Mary's life this morning. She
Judas had reached a breaking point. We don’t know exactly why he betrayed Jesus, but we know that he did.
loving it-with all our heart and soul and mind and
"But what if they think..." Who cares? Are you worshipping them, or are you going to respond as God leads?
wasn't in church, and she didn't sing a note, yet it would
Instead of worshiping and giving everything like Mary did, Judas takes the price of a slave to betray the very Son of God.
strength. (John Piper)
<Sing Alabaster Box>
be hard to argue that she didn't worship that night.
Don’t make the same mistake today.
• That is what we find in Mary's life this morning. She
• Let's learn this morning from her example about the
This morning, you have been reminded of what true worship is...let's live it out.
Don’t try to hold onto something that is cheap and worthless when compared to the God who saved you.
nature of true worship. The first reality we find is...
wasn't in church, and she didn't sing a note, yet it would
Instead, give everything you have to him.
be hard to argue that she didn't worship that night.
1. True Worship Is Costly
Nothing you give to Christ is ever wasted.
• Let's learn this morning from her example about the
• As Mary comes and pours her oil out as an act of
worship, she is giving up an incredible treasure.
nature of true worship. The first reality we find is...
1. True Worship Is Costly
• Judas later estimates this at 300 denarii. Remember
that a denarius is a day's wage for most workers, so
• As Mary comes and pours her oil out as an act of
this would have been almost a year's worth of income.
worship, she is giving up an incredible treasure.
• Judas later estimates this at 300 denarii. Remember
• For her, it is possible that this was her life's savings!
• Have you ever heard of a woman named Darlene
that a denarius is a day's wage for most workers, so
this would have been almost a year's worth of income.
Zschech? She wrote "Shout to The Lord" and a bunch
of other great worship songs.
• For her, it is possible that this was her life's savings!
• In her book, titled Extravagant Worship, she says this
• Have you ever heard of a woman named Darlene
Zschech? She wrote "Shout to The Lord" and a bunch
about worship:
of other great worship songs.
• We’re to be overgenerous in our praises to God.
Extravagant worship means to be elaborate in our
• In her book, titled Extravagant Worship, she says this
about worship:
!3
• We’re to be overgenerous in our praises to God.
offering of admiration to Him; our worship is to be
over and above reasonable limits previously
Extravagant worship means to be elaborate in our
established...What makes worship extravagant? It
!3
must cost us something. Worship is an act of
offering of admiration to Him; our worship is to be
over and above reasonable limits previously
obedient faith, even when circumstances offer
established...What makes worship extravagant? It
opportunities to fear. (Darlene Zschech, Extravagant
Worship)
must cost us something. Worship is an act of
obedient faith, even when circumstances offer
• That's exactly what we see here. Mary gave something
incredibly precious to show her love for her Savior; the
opportunities to fear. (Darlene Zschech, Extravagant
One who had the power of life and death and raised her
Worship)
brother from the dead.
• That's exactly what we see here. Mary gave something
incredibly precious to show her love for her Savior; the
• This parallels what we find David saying in 2 Samuel
One who had the power of life and death and raised her
24. He had been a fool, and pride led him to take a
census of the people. When he did, God sent a plague
brother from the dead.
• This parallels what we find David saying in 2 Samuel
throughout the land, killing seventy thousand men. The
24. He had been a fool, and pride led him to take a
prophet Gad tells David where he is to go build and
altar and sacrifice, and when the man offers that place
census of the people. When he did, God sent a plague
throughout the land, killing seventy thousand men. The
to David, he responds:
• However, the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will
prophet Gad tells David where he is to go build and
surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer
altar and sacrifice, and when the man offers that place
burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me
to David, he responds:
nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and
• However, the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will
the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. David built there
surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer
burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me
an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and
peace offerings. Thus the Lord was moved by
nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and
the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. David built there
prayer for the land, and the plague was held back
an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and
from Israel. (, NASB)
• David realized that genuine worship is costly.
peace offerings. Thus the Lord was moved by
• Notice that Mary's worship cost more than just her
prayer for the land, and the plague was held back
from Israel. (, NASB)
money. It also cost her reputation. Look at how Judas
responds in verse 4...
• David realized that genuine worship is costly.
• Notice that Mary's worship cost more than just her
• Think about what was going on here. We mentioned
money. It also cost her reputation. Look at how Judas
before that people's feet during this time would have
responds in verse 4...
!4
• Think about what was going on here. We mentioned
been absolutely disgusting, and she uses her own hair
to wipe them clean.
before that people's feet during this time would have
!4
• That would be utterly humiliating as it was an act that
implied complete submission to the person being
been absolutely disgusting, and she uses her own hair
to wipe them clean.
anointed.
• That would be utterly humiliating as it was an act that
• So what does worship cost us? Sometimes, like Mary,
implied complete submission to the person being
our worship may be expressed by giving financially.
Other times, it may be that as you life a life that gives
anointed.
honor and glory to God, your friends and family think
• So what does worship cost us? Sometimes, like Mary,
you are a fool. When you have to tell the guys you can't
our worship may be expressed by giving financially.
go fishing with them this Sunday or can't come over
Other times, it may be that as you life a life that gives
honor and glory to God, your friends and family think
that night because you have something at church, they
may make fun of you, and you may find yourself on the
you are a fool. When you have to tell the guys you can't
go fishing with them this Sunday or can't come over
outs.
• Is it worth the cost to you? Are you willing to humiliate
that night because you have something at church, they
may make fun of you, and you may find yourself on the
yourself to show just how incredible God is and has
been to you?
outs.
• By the way, I'm not talking about intentionally making a
• Is it worth the cost to you? Are you willing to humiliate
yourself to show just how incredible God is and has
fool of yourself. I am talking about not being afraid to
respond in whatever way God directs whenever He
been to you?
leads.
• By the way, I'm not talking about intentionally making a
• Maybe you need to be more open to give Him honor at
fool of yourself. I am talking about not being afraid to
respond in whatever way God directs whenever He
work. Maybe you need to stop being ashamed to talk
with your kids about what God is teaching you. Maybe
leads.
• Maybe you need to be more open to give Him honor at
you need to be willing to raise your hands when we
work. Maybe you need to stop being ashamed to talk
sing, or just sit down and process.
with your kids about what God is teaching you. Maybe
• Stop being so concerned about what others think; focus
on the one who is worth it all.
you need to be willing to raise your hands when we
• With that being said, worship doesn't happen in a
sing, or just sit down and process.
• Stop being so concerned about what others think; focus
vacuum. When you are worshiping The Lord in a
on the one who is worth it all.
genuine way personally, it will...
!5
• With that being said, worship doesn't happen in a
vacuum. When you are worshiping The Lord in a
2. True Worship Impacts Others
genuine way personally, it will...
• Think about that statement that John makes - "and the
!5
house was filled with the fragrance of her perfume".
• In this moment, Mary's worship touches every person
2. True Worship Impacts Others
• Think about that statement that John makes - "and the
there.
• Can you imagine the reactions of those in the room?
house was filled with the fragrance of her perfume".
You have a crowd of hot, sweaty people who didn't use
• In this moment, Mary's worship touches every person
there.
deodorant, and suddenly, the room is filled with the
aroma of a beautiful perfume.
• Can you imagine the reactions of those in the room?
You have a crowd of hot, sweaty people who didn't use
• It would surely have made an impression. In fact, it
made such an impact on John that he remarked on it as
deodorant, and suddenly, the room is filled with the
he put down his eye-witness account.
aroma of a beautiful perfume.
• They say that scent is the strongest sense tied to
• It would surely have made an impression. In fact, it
made such an impact on John that he remarked on it as
memory, and that may be true. Many of you can
remember to this day the smell of your daddy's
he put down his eye-witness account.
• They say that scent is the strongest sense tied to
aftershave or your wife's favorite perfume.
memory, and that may be true. Many of you can
• You wonder if John isn't taken back to that time as he
remember to this day the smell of your daddy's
remembers. "Over the smell of the food, over the sweat
and the grime, there was this beautiful aroma that came
aftershave or your wife's favorite perfume.
• You wonder if John isn't taken back to that time as he
wafting across the house."
• Can you imagine what happened after this? The
remembers. "Over the smell of the food, over the sweat
and the grime, there was this beautiful aroma that came
hushed silence where all of a sudden, those who had
grown too familiar with Jesus suddenly remember who
wafting across the house."
He really is--He's not just another rabbi, He is someone
• Can you imagine what happened after this? The
worthy of worship.
hushed silence where all of a sudden, those who had
grown too familiar with Jesus suddenly remember who
• When we live lives that are characterized by reckless
He really is--He's not just another rabbi, He is someone
abandon in worship, we cannot help but impact the
lives around us.
worthy of worship.
• Notice that not everyone was comfortable with this.
• When we live lives that are characterized by reckless
abandon in worship, we cannot help but impact the
Judas gets indignant.
• One interesting thing that happens as we magnify
lives around us.
Christ is that we offend others.
• Notice that not everyone was comfortable with this.
Judas gets indignant.
• As we point to the One who can save us from our sins,
• One interesting thing that happens as we magnify
it reminds others that they have sin in their lives.
Christ is that we offend others.
!6
• When someone is living a life of reckless abandon
• As we point to the One who can save us from our sins,
it reminds others that they have sin in their lives.
before God, they may seem like a nut or a fanatic to
others, making them uncomfortable because they
!6
would rather play it safe.
• When someone is living a life of reckless abandon
• Are you scared to lose friends because of what God is
before God, they may seem like a nut or a fanatic to
calling you to do and be? Are you so concerned about
others, making them uncomfortable because they
what others think that you won't be willing to be open,
would rather play it safe.
• Are you scared to lose friends because of what God is
honest, and transparent before the God who made
calling you to do and be? Are you so concerned about
you?
what others think that you won't be willing to be open,
• Would you rather give up the ability to give honor to the
God who is worthy of it so you don't lose face in front of
honest, and transparent before the God who made
others?
you?
• Would you rather give up the ability to give honor to the
• We need to be a body of people who worship! We need
to worship in our words, in our actions, in our attitudes,
God who is worthy of it so you don't lose face in front of
in our reactions. We need to worship by working hard at
others?
our jobs and loving our spouses when they are
• We need to be a body of people who worship! We need
unlovely. We need to worship when things go wrong,
to worship in our words, in our actions, in our attitudes,
and we need to worship the God who allows things to
in our reactions. We need to worship by working hard at
go right! We need to celebrate when God blesses, and
our jobs and loving our spouses when they are
unlovely. We need to worship when things go wrong,
repent when He disciplines.
• If we do, we will see the world around us impacted in
and we need to worship the God who allows things to
ways we cannot imagine.
go right! We need to celebrate when God blesses, and
repent when He disciplines.
• Could we fill this house with the fragrance of hearts that
are sold out and abandoned for Him? Could we fill
• If we do, we will see the world around us impacted in
Christiansburg with hearts that recklessly exalt Him
ways we cannot imagine.
without fear of failure or loss?
• Could we fill this house with the fragrance of hearts that
are sold out and abandoned for Him? Could we fill
• What is keeping us from that?
Christiansburg with hearts that recklessly exalt Him
• Perhaps it is that we forget who we are
without fear of failure or loss?
worshipping...
• What is keeping us from that?
3. True Worship Is Christ-Centered
• You see, everyone worships something. Some of us
• Perhaps it is that we forget who we are
worship our jobs, our positions, and our stuff. Some
worshipping...
worship serving others. Some worship our kids or our
3. True Worship Is Christ-Centered
• You see, everyone worships something. Some of us
spouses.
worship our jobs, our positions, and our stuff. Some
!7
worship serving others. Some worship our kids or our
• Yet Mary got it right. Isn't it interesting that she has from
spouses.
the beginning? Remember when we find her sitting at
!7
Jesus' feet?
• She learned from Him, and she got to know Him better,
• Yet Mary got it right. Isn't it interesting that she has from
the beginning? Remember when we find her sitting at
her love for Him grew into the expression we have
Jesus' feet?
looked at this morning.
• In case you're having a hard time remembering who
• She learned from Him, and she got to know Him better,
Jesus is, here are a couple of passages to remind you:
her love for Him grew into the expression we have
looked at this morning.
• Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in
Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form
• In case you're having a hard time remembering who
Jesus is, here are a couple of passages to remind you:
of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to
be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of
• Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in
Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form
a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of
men. Being found in appearance as a man, He
of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to
be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of
humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point
of death, even death on a cross. For this reason
a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of
also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him
men. Being found in appearance as a man, He
the name which is above every name, so that at the
humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point
name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who
of death, even death on a cross. For this reason
also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him
are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
the name which is above every name, so that at the
that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is
name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who
Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians
are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
2:5-11 NASB)
• He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of
that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians
all creation. For by Him all things were created, both
in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible,
2:5-11 NASB)
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
• He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of
all creation. For by Him all things were created, both
authorities-all things have been created through Him
in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible,
and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
things hold together. He is also head of the body,
the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn
authorities-all things have been created through Him
from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have
and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all
first place in everything. For it was the Father's good
things hold together. He is also head of the body,
pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and
the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn
from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have
through Him to reconcile all things to Himself,
!8
first place in everything. For it was the Father's good
having made peace through the blood of His cross;
pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and
through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things
through Him to reconcile all things to Himself,
in heaven. ( NASB)
!8
• The God who created it all is the same God who died in
having made peace through the blood of His cross;
through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things
your place! He is the same God who forgives and loves
and corrects and causes all things to work together for
in heaven. ( NASB)
our good!
• The God who created it all is the same God who died in
• He is the same God who parted the Red Sea, closed
your place! He is the same God who forgives and loves
the mouths of the lions in the den with Daniel, and is
and corrects and causes all things to work together for
one day coming again to set right all that is wrong with
our good!
this world!
• He is the same God who parted the Red Sea, closed
• No athlete, no celebrity, no person, no activity, could
the mouths of the lions in the den with Daniel, and is
ever compare!
one day coming again to set right all that is wrong with
this world!
• Jesus really is the name above every name, and one
• No athlete, no celebrity, no person, no activity, could
day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father!
ever compare!
• Jesus really is the name above every name, and one
Conclusion
day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
• Are you ready to worship this morning?
• You see, there are times when we preach about
that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father!
Conclusion
something and you have to wait to apply it. Why not
• Are you ready to worship this morning?
apply this now?!
• You see, there are times when we preach about
• I have asked Brenda Crawford to come and sing an
incredibly special song this morning.
something and you have to wait to apply it. Why not
• It is a song that she has sung before, and it tells this
apply this now?!
story from Mary's perspective. It expresses her heart to
• I have asked Brenda Crawford to come and sing an
incredibly special song this morning.
worship, and I hope that it expresses yours today.
• It is a song that she has sung before, and it tells this
• Take some time to worship there as you feel lead. If you
story from Mary's perspective. It expresses her heart to
want to raise your hands, pray, kneel, cry, or even
shout, I invite you to respond as God leads.
worship, and I hope that it expresses yours today.
• Take some time to worship there as you feel lead. If you
• "But what if they think..." Who cares? Are you
worshipping them, or are you going to respond as God
want to raise your hands, pray, kneel, cry, or even
leads?
shout, I invite you to respond as God leads.
• <Sing Alabaster Box>
• "But what if they think..." Who cares? Are you
!9
worshipping them, or are you going to respond as God
leads?
• This morning, you have been reminded of what true
• <Sing Alabaster Box>
worship is...let's live it out.
!9
!10
• This morning, you have been reminded of what true
worship is...let's live it out.
!10